I saw this post a few days ago but didn't comment. This is a great post, it has something all railfans would enjoy I should think. Telling the story of getting out there, seeing it come in the same time you get there, having your family around you and getting excited because you get to meet someone that makes something move you beyond words is just something so magical dare I say.
We've all been in a situation where we've wanted to meet a celebrity or someone famous, so how is this any different? Seeing the engine is one thing, meeting the engineer in what could only be described as a candid moment is so much more.
I haven't had any opportunities to converse with the crew of Number 60(of the BR&W) out by me, but that's because I haven't gotten tickets for a cab ride yet. I did get lucky enough to meet Rich Melvin back at 2017's October York. It was early Saturday morning and at the OGR booth there were watching Rich on one of the videos while taking pictures of him. I did snap a few shots and waited to say good morning and autostoker which brought a raised eyebrow. All joking aside with that comment it was the best Saturday morning in my memories dealing with trains that I can recall. Someone else in the booth did make some other jokes directed at Rich(I think Jim did) but I guess that is fair game for them. Needless to say, it was something else.
I'm sort of wondering now if they'll have autographs for #611 at Strasburg in October?
