So here, at this time of the year when folks like me who grew up and still reside in the Northeast look forward to some Christmas snow (though not too much), are a few passages about a tradition that still warms the hearts of many: that magical combination of Christmas and trains. These are from the pen of New York Times best-selling author David Balducci, from his novel The Christmas Train: “It’s my experience that most folks who ride trains couldn’t care less where they’re going. For them it’s the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. You see, at every stop this train makes, a little bit of America, a little bit of your country, gets on and says hello. That’s why trains are so popular at Christmas. People get on to meet their country over the holidays. They’re looking for some friendship, a warm body to talk to. People don’t rush on a train, because that’s not what trains are for. How do you put a dollar value on that? What accounting line does that go on?” “It’s not getting from A to B. It’s not the beginning or the destination that counts. It’s the ride in between … This train is alive with things that should be seen and heard. It’s a living, breathing something—you just have to want to learn its rhythm.” “Trains had a nostalgic magnetism that was undeniable, even for the many Americans who’d never even been on one.” “I’m not saying that riding the train will change your life, or that passenger rail will be a big moneymaker one day. But no matter how fast we feel we have to go, shouldn’t there be room for a train, where you can just sit back, take a breath, and be human for a little while? Just for a little while? Is that so bad?” William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief, Railway Age I was thoroughly enchanted with my first Lionel train set in 1963. I believe it set the stage for a career in railroad journalism that began 29 years later at Railway Age, and still captivates me, at 62. As the gruff but kind-hearted conductor in the movie version of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express says to the main character, a little boy who’s no longer skeptical about Christmas, “One thing about trains: It doesn’t matter where they’re goin’. What matters is deciding to get on.” From all of us at Railway Age and the Simmons-Boardman Rail Group, Merry Christmas, and Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year. Thanks for deciding to get on. The post ‘What Matters is Deciding To Get On’ appeared first on Railway Age. Continue reading...
