[Fred Douglass]

........gone are the days......!

One of my buddies who is a railroad historian/buff just sent me a high quality clip of the Union Pacific #3985 "Big Boy" Challenger steaming across some table-flat western landscape.

Gawdamighty! What a sight! As a wee bairn (kid) I went from South Station in Bahstin to Florida on the old "East Coast Meteor"---lugged by a steam locomotive. I remember the bituminous smoke and how it shifted over to anthracite (as my father explained it). Shot along listening to that unique rhythm---got to visit the locomotive itself!!!! Saw the lighted Capitol as we passed DC at night! Later, I remember living in Eau Gallie Florida (up near Melbourne and Canaveral) and standing by the tracks when the Meteor shot past---probably doing 75+ mph! I also remember the TRUE "Orange Blossom Special" when it left the Fort Miami siding loaded with oranges and grapefruit! Ah, it's not so bad, having been born in 1945, I guess!

This western locomotive #3985 is mind-boggling. A bona fide tool o' the gods!

Chowdah,