Family Fun on the Rails
Imagine your are five years old. As your family arrives at the train station, your hand slips free of your Mom's and you dash over to the tracks. Looking left, then right, your eager eyes scan the horizon, searching for your train.
Then you hear it. The quiet chugging of the locomotive. The clicking and clacking of the wheels gliding over the rails. The sound of happy families enjoying their ride as they arrive at the station
The engine pulls to a stop; the steam escaping. You run to the first car, eager to board and ride behind the engineer. But this is no ordinary train. This engine is just your size! The cars have seats built just for you! Even still, these cars are large enough for your Mom and Dad to come along for the ride.
With the toot of the horn, the engineer gently pulls the throttle and the little engine slowly starts inching forward. The cylinders pump and the steam chuffs and before long, the engine is chugging along. As you round the first curve, you look back and see the trusty red caboose tootling along, bringing up the rear.
Bright, cheery smiles are every where! Children cry out with glee as the train winds through the tunnel and into the day light. Parents look on with joy and contentment as they reflect on their own precious memories and those that are being made now. You and your parents never want this moment to end.
WHOLESOME & EDUCATIONAL FAMILY FUN
Railroading is in the blood of thousands of Americans. And, even through steam engines may have disappeared from full size rails across the nation, they are still running strong in miniature railroads. What is it about trains that appeals to children and adults alike? Is it the freedom of travel? The sound of the whistle? The simplicity of design? The life-like sounds of a chuffing steam engine? Or the smile on the face of a tired, yet friendly engineer?
There is no one answer but one thing is for certain: children of all ages, love trains! Look at the phenomenal success of Thomas the Tank engine properties! But it doesn't stop with wood Thomas engines or electric HO train sets. No, this affection seems to grow into something much bigger. . . trains that are large enough to ride in, whether you are 3 or 93. There is no mistaking the attraction of trains to folks of all ages.
And even if you have never ridden aboard an Amtrak train, you may have fond memories of miniature, or Grand Scale, trains found at your local park or drive-in theater when you were young. Maybe you were one of the children who have fond memories of riding behind the diesel at Kiddieland in Chicago or in one of the department store displays of the time. Or perhaps you have heard stories of the famous steam engines running at Coney Island. Fairs, amusement parks, local parks, pumpkin farms, roadside attractions and others have all housed miniature trains at one time. Literally millions of people have had the joy of riding these at one time.
But what of today? Do these iron horses still exist to thrill our children of today? Are there place for families to go so that their young children can make their own memories? Yes! These trains are alive and steaming all around the world today! And more are being built or re-built every year!
In the California alone, it is estimated that there are at least 45 miniature engines being built. New facilities are opening or are in the planning stages each year. Some railroads, like the Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Park, Berkeley, California, and the Riverside and Great Northern Railroad in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, have just recently celebrated 50 years of service! Other mile stones include the 10 year anniversary of the Orland, Newville & Pacific Railroad in Orland, California. Various museums have resurrected old trains and brought them back to life for their visitors as well.
But it isn't just public attractions. Private individuals are building their own railroad empires right in their own back yard. Some are indeed empires, as the track runs through miles of property. Many are smaller lines that might run around a city lot. All of them provide hours of fun for young and old alike.
FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES
But what does this all mean for families today? For many, it is a living, breathing education. In one visit you can learn about history of railroading, the science and math behind the locomotives, building and construction, wood working, machining, and more. You can visit with the people who run the railroads, often volunteers , and receive a lesson in community service. Visit the ticket office and gift shops and learn about business. And take a look at the gorgeous locomotives and rolling stock and see pure art! Creative families can find educational value in all aspects of Grand Scale railroading.
As an adult, you can be transported back in time to your youth. Revisit your own memories of the whistles and happy families. . . and make new memories with your own family today.
Where to Ride?
Grand Scale railroads can literally found all around the country. Three of the public railroads are listed above but others include: Griffith Park in Los Angeles, the Little Puffer in the San Francisco Zoo, the Portland Zoo railroad in Portland, Oregon, the Milwaukee Zoo railway, the Whiskey River Railway, Little A-Merrick-A, Marshall, Wisconsin, the Michigan AuSable Valley Railway in Fairview, Michigan, the Detroit Zoo railway, the Traverse City Railway, the Peconic County RR in Long Island, and many, many more private and public RRs.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Various publications now exist to help people in their search for Grand Scale railroads. The prominent magazines include the Grand Scales Quarterly and the 7+RAILROADER, both published by Robinson & Associates in Red Bluff, California and Live Steam, published by Village Press in Traverse City, Michigan.
The Web has also been a valuable tool for those interested in learning more. Web sites of interest include www.grandscales.com and www.7plusrailroader.com, which have exhaustive links pages. Another great resource is www.discoverlivesteam.com, www.livesteaming.com and www.steamingpriest.com. All provide a great deal of information.
Susan Robinson is the associate editor of both the Grand Scales Quarterly and the 7+RAILROADER magazines. Contact her for a free brochure titled "Want to Learn More About Riding Railways?" by calling 530-527-0141, by visiting http://www.grandscales.com or by mail at PO Box 8953, Red Bluff, CA 96080.
 Google News Updated : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:56:09 GMT Berlusconi Shares Investor Pain With $2 Billion Loss (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Andrew Davis and Lorenzo Totaro Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promises Italians they won't lose ``even a euro'' of their bank accounts in the current credit crisis. Video: Bush Says He Will Help US Banks Bush To Speak About $250 Billion Banking Rescue Plan Monday Morning Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:46:59 GMT North Korea to resume nuclear dismantlement - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea planned to resume dismantling its nuclear program Tuesday for the first time in two months, days after the United States removed the communist regime from a terrorism blacklist as a reward under a disarmament pact. IAEA: N. Korea disabling set for Tuesday North Korean foreign minister set for nuclear talks in Moscow Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:11:42 GMT Cambodia: Thailand withdraws troops from border - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Thai troops retreated from a disputed border zone Tuesday, a Cambodian general said, averting a possible military clash after Cambodia's prime minister issued an ultimatum to Thailand to withdraw by midday. Thai army to maintain troops in disputed area Thailand, Cambodia spar over border troop positions Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:51:31 GMT Milk, Sunshine Each Day Keep the Doctor Away - Washington Post
Washington Post - ยท Kids from newborns to teenagers should take twice as much Vitamin D as previously recommended because it may help prevent serious disease, a leading medical group said yesterday. Video: HealthWatch More tenacious about vitamin D Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:17:28 GMT House Race Is Shaken by Report of an Affair - New York Times
New York Times - By IAN URBINA WASHINGTON - The Florida congressman who succeeded Mark Foley after he resigned because of a sex scandal is now embroiled in a sex scandal of his own, and has requested a Congressional ethics investigation to clear his name. A Florida (House) Bombshell House to investigate lawmaker for alleged affair, ethics lapse Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:20:36 GMT Asian, European Markets Continue Upbeat Rally - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Blaine Harden TOKYO, Oct. 14 -- Feverish buying in Japan on Tuesday replaced last week's market panic, as the benchmark Nikkei stock index soared to its largest-ever percentage gain in a single day, up 14.15 percent -- part of a global rally in ... Video: Asia Markets Mostly Up Monday World Markets Reflect Growing Hope Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:11:14 GMT Kashkari Leaps From Obscurity to Lead Role in US Bank Rescue - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Robert Schmidt and Rebecca Christie Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Minutes before Neel Kashkari's public debut as the chief of the US Treasury's financial rescue plan, he sat in a hotel lobby in Washington, unrecognized by many of the international bankers ... What Treasury is planning After Historic Rally, Feds To Buy Bank Ownerships Publ.Date : Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:57:34 GMT Web Site Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 3 - Tools For... Read More Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a wax pencil.... Read More This is a fun craft to do with a group... Read More If you want to keep your comic book collection in... Read More You will find scrapbook supplies for photos and pictures in... Read More It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many antique buyers... Read More Textured paper can add extra dimension to your scrapbooking page.... Read More 10. A Themed Gift Basket is for everyone and every... Read More Butterfly candle holders are easy to make and a great... Read More I recently visited Langnau, Bern, Switzerland and spent two days... Read More You may have heard the terms proof coin and un-circulated... Read More Many people don't know that you can actually improve the... Read More Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as... Read More Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a... Read More Why You Need A Display CaseSome people are under the... Read More Once you spend your precious time and energy creating a... Read More Depression Glass - The Rare PiecesDid you know that if... Read More The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These... Read More There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has... Read More As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and... Read More Making our ideas come to life and creating them with... Read More For more dramatic results from your photographs, trying weaving two... Read More Since genealogy is my hobby, my profession, and my passion,... Read More MATERIALSA Large Round or Oval BalloonNewspaper, torn into 1 inch... Read More One of the most popular party favors is a framed... Read More
Adsense
websites
Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 3
Wax Pencils, Stickers, and Rubber Stamping in Your Scrapbooks
How to Make a Childs Handprint on a Ceramic Tile
The Proper Use of Comic Book Supplies Will Help You Maintain a Top-Notch Collection
Scrapbooking Those Memories!
Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find Them
How to Use Textured Paper and Book Jacket Backgrounds to Give Your Scrapbook Dimension
10 Reasons to Create and Give a Gift Basket!
Butterfly Candle Holders
Genealogy in Switzerland - A Longenecker Family Search
What Is An Un-circulated Coin?
Candle Maintenance
Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent
Make A Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath
Why You Need A Display Case
I Didnt Know These Are Slowly Destroying My Scrapbooks!
Rare Depression Glass Pieces
The Wonderful Art of Bonsai
Roasting Your Own Coffee - A Hobby You Can Love
How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry
Making Hemp Jewelry Is Fun and Easy
Weaving Photographs and the Use of a Collage to Give Your Scrapbooks Artistic Flare
Essentials of Genealogy - Getting Started with Your FamilyTree
How To Make a Pinata
Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Money Making Hobbies - Which Ones?
Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made... Read More
Tooling Leather
Use vegetable-tanned, light-colored top-grained leather for tooling leather. If you're... Read More
Functional Pottery Makes a Great Gift, Plain and Simple
Are you looking for something unique to give a friend... Read More
Green Thumb Not Required
Ah, the sweet smell of fresh flowers, herbs and fruit.... Read More
The Theme and Title of Your New Scrapbook
The theme of your scrapbook can be simple or complex.... Read More
The Use of Color and Photographs in Your New Scrapbook
Color coordination and contrast will highlight and accent your scrapbook.... Read More
Kids Crafts: Balloons, Bubbles & Balls #1
Craft: Colored Bubbles Activities: Flyswatter Bubbles, Cotton Ball Pickup,... Read More
Remember When You Were Taught How To Make Things From Metal With Your Bare Hands?
How would you like the chance to use the skills... Read More
Depression Glass Trivia
Depression glass facts make for interesting conversation, especially when you're... Read More
Be Your Own Way, but Still Use the Safe Tools
It is so often that people are not aware with... Read More
Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?
If you are involved in the crafts business, and are... Read More
Is There Money To Be Made In Depression Glass
You've seen the shows on television. You've watched the auctions... Read More
Collectible Action Figures - Is About Fun Memories And More Money
Superhero action figures first stormed the doors of department stores... Read More
The Art of Cutting and Cropping for Your New Scrapbook
Often photographs aren't quite the right shape and size or... Read More
A Few Tips About Comic Book Bags
We store comics to keep them valuable. Air pollution, ultra... Read More
Gold Jewelry Hallmarking Secrets Revealed
We should be familiar with the BASIC hallmarks mentioned on... Read More
Use Tags and Embellishments to Give Your Scrapbooks that Personal Yet Professional Touch
Tags are a little added touch of professionalism that adds... Read More
Tracing Your Family History
Let me say straight away that tracing your family ancestry... Read More
How to Create a Reverse Painting on Glass
Introduction:Glass is a non-absorbant painting support which does not allow... Read More
Why You Need A Display Case
Why You Need A Display CaseSome people are under the... Read More
50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby
Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun,... Read More
Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards
You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More
Make Origami
Origami is a wonderful and elegant art. It has been... Read More
Jewelry Insurance - Hints and Tips So You Dont Get Ripped Off
As crime and drug use increases, the risks involved in... Read More
How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts From Ordinary Candles
If you are looking for a fun gift to make... Read More
Crafts & Hobbies |