How did I get involved with trains?

A lot of people ask me what really sparked my interest in trains. As mentioned in the about me section I grew up on Thomas the Tank engine, Shining Time Station and renting National Geographic's: Love those Trains segment along with watching Back to the Future 3 until I almost wore out the tape. 

In 1993 NKP Berkshire steam locomotive #765 (under the guise of C&O #2765) came to my hometown pulling the Tulip City Express trains for the big Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI. My father chased it part of the way with me in the front passenger seat of our 1990 Plymouth Voyager mini van and I never forgot it due to the beautiful red sunset against the black silhouette of the locomotive. Shortly after that we made regular visits to the Strasburg Railroad, the place I called my home away from home. 

As also mentioned previously we visited railroads all up and down the east coast and a few on the west. The event that also changed it for me was Train Festivals 2004, 2009, 2011, and 2014. Seeing the SP Daylight #4449 and riding behind it in the baggage car forever sealed the deal and I owe a great debt to all involved, my family included. 

From then on I continued to promote and volunteer as much as possible, advocating for the tourist railroads and museums hoping to not only spread the love of history and preservation but also wanting to help other families enjoy the same smiles my family and I experienced. It was a joy to see families even for just 5 minutes enjoying a trip together and not fighting or disagreeing and I hope to continue to share this as long as the Lord allows me. 

-Sara