AMCDave posted:Tinplate Art posted:I am longing for the old Southern Steam program trips which my family rode between the years 1974-1994 and where excursion trains could run at relatively safe but faster speeds! At least I have the memories of a diverse fielding of steam engines! The Claytor brothers, Graham and Robert, were, and still are, my heroes! :-)
There is NO substitute for a large steam loco running 60+ mph....you understand Iron Horse real fast.
Best train trip I've ever been on, hands down, was the SP 4449 trip from Portland to Bend last year. Fast running (near 80MPH in spots), open windows/doors, beautiful scenery and a beautiful train. I've wanted to see the 4449 for decades and flew west to ride it last year. If there is another trip planned for 2018, I will fly west again if I can.
Rode a couple of the NS trips and would not really be interested in doing a similar trip again.
