First I need say a thanks to Johnny and Russ for the offer of Hospitality, althought it didn't work out. I got on Amtrak Train #42 "The Pennsylvanian" which had one engine with about 5 coaches. We went around Horseshoe Curve, and through Altoona Yard. Got some pictures too, although it was very foggy. We switched engines (from Diesels to electric, for the NEC) and rode up, what i assumed was the North East Corridor, through Trenton New Jersey to New York City. New York was nice, it wasn't as dirty, nor crowded as I thought it was. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, and Got to go down to Rockefeller Center to see the TODAY show Monday morning, and see Ruben and Clay from American Idol, too. I also saw Time SQuare and Ground Zero. What i felt at Ground Zero wasn't as much pain as i thought, as it seems like a big hole. It is harder to realize what had actually happened there, since I had never been to NY and seen those towers before 9-11. Still had an effect on me from watching the events on TV back then. We rode 1st class back to Greensburg, PA on Train #41 "The Three Rivers" we had a 1 hour layover in Philiadelphia, and I later found out that an extra 8 boxcars and 8 road railers were added. probably had a good 20 car passenger train bound for Chicago. It was a nice trip, although it was nice to be back home in the Hills of West Virginia. I'm not a city boy, and I probably wouldn't stand it to live in a city, but I thorougly enjoyed it. P.S. I left my camera in a Taxi Cab, but I got very lucky and a Lady from New Jersey found it and sent it my mail back to me. Bless Her! [ 31. May 2003, 05:56: Message edited by: A&A 6183 ]
Sorry you missed the connection with my NY buddies Russ and JT. I am glad the trip went well for you and you had a good time. NY City gets too much bad press, when it is really one of the most exciting cities to visit. I remember, years ago, it promoted itself as "Fun City." Well, it still is.
Glad you had a good trip Pat! Seems like everyone is coming to the City! I have two cousins coming on Thusday from North Carolina and Virginia. Plan to give them the royal treatment. Too bad they aren't railfans but I'll take them on the subway at least! Hope you can get back again soon. We missed you on Memorial Day. We had a fantastic meet at the Cross Harbor RR, even though it rained cats and dogs. Next time you get here, we'll try to get up to the Danbury RR Museum too!
