For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 05, 2011

train geek!

You just might be a little disapointed, Jon. You’ll probably find him dressed just like the rest of us. No bib overalls, striped beak cap or red bandana.

Oh, sure, use your son as an excuse.

That and the tax deduction. (kidding…)

John’s a rail watcher like me. I spent an hour at a subway Station yesterday, just for a chance to ride the new shiny Toronto Rocket.

Jon’s striking two birds with one stone here… Not only is he doing something he’s always wanted to do, but he’s also punishing his son (Remember yesterday?) by making him do something he doesn’t want to do.Clever.

The diesels of that era had a door in the nose for entry – a fact so blatently ignored in the movie “Silver Streak” Also, cab passes were generally prohibited on passenger trains so engine crew would not be distracted. Freight trains were more relaxed – I rode on a drovers pass in 1957 Quincy, Il – Chicago – Buffalo, Ny. Caboose (remember them?) to Chicago and the rear cab of a 4-unit diesel to Buffalo. Comple story in TRAINS magazxine Nov. 2009 P. 56-7

one of the highlights of my only transatlantic flight was the opportunity to visit the cockpit. i still remember icebergs viewed from 30,000 feet looking like glass chips on blue velvet.

Sometimes “hiding behind a child” is the only way an adult can indulge in a childhood fantasy that otherwise wouldn’t be allowed!