West of Strasburg and Lancaster, Steam into History runs this replica of a Civil War passenger train [completed in 2013] between New Freedom and Hanover Junction south of York, PA, 6 miles west of Exit 4 on I-83. President Abraham Lincoln changed trains at Hanover Junction when he delivered his Gettysburg A
ddress.
From 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, go upstairs to SEPTA platforms. Ride any train to Center City (free for Amtrak passengers). Get off at the second stop (Market Street East / Jefferson). Follow signs to PA Convention Center. Go up two escalators. Watch the largest single-span train shed (13 tracks) of magnificently restored Reading Terminal unfold overhead. Go down one floor and follow signs to Reading Terminal Market a historic farmers' market in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. Farther east is Independence Mall. Down Market Street (west toward 30th Street) is a SEPTA Museum (1234 Market Street). A block farther west, by City Hall, is John Wanamaker's Department Store, a Philadelphia landmark lovingly restored by Macy's. Take a cab or walk along Benjamin Franklin Parkway and visit The Franklin Institute. Ride in the cab of 350-ton Baldwin 3-cylinder compound 4-10-2 No. 60000. Enjoy Fels Planetarium and an IMAX Theatre. Returning to 30th Street Station, go to Market Street East or Suburban Station beneath City Hall. Board any train at Track 3 or Track 4.
The original scale 700e Hudson and a original Lionel Girls Set for her. That should cover you.
Once I asked a girl friend what she wanted for Christmas. She flipped the lobe of each ear and suggested "two carots". So I dutifully went to Philly's fashionable Baily, Banks and Biddle Jeweler and purchased a very nice presentation box then stopped by our local grocery story and picked up two carrots. Because of her crazy sense of humor, she said laughed and said it was the most unexpected Christmas gift ever.
Show your girlfriend you're more man than she thought ... or you thought. Don't be easy and pick anything yet. First, give her a chance to break even. Double or nothing bet.
What, me worry?
So last night I showed her the kohs big boy site- 6k. She asked how she should order it... I told her not yet. Jeez man 6k is a lot for a train. I never thought I'd be the one saying that a train was too expensive... I sort of feel like she's the one calling my bluff...
Go with a Visionline Big Boy. Then set it up on the layout. Invite Girlfriend to view it in action pulling a nice consist. Have a nice engagement rock in one of the cars
Job done
Nick
This whole thread has left me feeling numb too. If it were me, I wouldn't soak her with an over-the-top purchase. In the back of my head is you'd end up paying for that eventually. Perhaps you take a trip together (Empire Builder?) and then get rolling stock or locomotives as a "souvenir" of the trip.
1. How about taking her to a hobby shop and asking her which locomotive she likes the best.
2. Careful not to criticize if she picks something you don't want or is junk but instead ask her "why" she likes that particular one. If you're nimble enough she'll pick the one she likes and you'll like it too.
3. Letting her pick the one she likes will likely make her more attached and invested in it. Ergo, more attached and invested in your hobby.
4. This way for the price of a locomotive won on a bet you might actually win your girlfriend's interest in your hobby. If nothing else you may earn freedom from criticism about it.
just a thought.....
For those prices, you can buy a full size RAIL CAR!
I think if she'll buy you a train, you probably found a keeper. Take the loco and buy a ring.
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