The First Idea

The Christmas holiday is upon us...for model railroaders the holiday seems to hold an extra morsel of sentimentality. The obvious reason; the train running around the loop of track under the tree or the displays in store windows. Just like the holiday cheer that comes once a year, its full might is fleeting. In a few weeks, after all the shopping madness, office parties and nutty relatives pay a visit, we'll revert to our non-holiday mode; or regular mode. It's too bad; I much prefer things when we're all in a good mood.

The same goes for trains. It's brief visit upon mainstream consciousness is just as fleeting. Come December 26th; the train gets put away. More so, the idea of train gets shelved yet again. It's not in our periphery long enough anymore to make an impact.

Having just recently taken a long distance train trip, I can attest to its continuing viability as a transportation alternative. I'd wager a bet my multi-day trip was more pleasant than any auto or plane trip you'll embark on during the holiday. What is disappointing however is that what I considered a enjoyable experience, could be even more so with the proper funding, but isn't.

It's certainly not for lack of technology. It's been around for decades; and with the right dollars the level of technology could be catapulted forward in leaps and bounds. It has after all, been shelved, year after year. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to take a high speed train, 180mph plus from Chicago to Denver. Acela in the NorthEast is laughable, even ten years after its debut, it barely keeps a top speed of 125.

Funding is abundant if you ask me, not that I'm an expert. But, countless, perpetual highway projects are always flush with cash. It's shocking that as a population we're oblivious to the fact that most highway projects just generate even more traffic. The system as a whole, highways/cars, just doesn't work; it never will and it's incredibly costly to maintain.

While I gazed out the window for nearly 2,000 miles, it just underscored the obviousness of a truly elegant, unobtrusive solution...just 4'-8 1/2" wide - two rails...and hundreds of people or thousands of tons can move. The irony is that it's an idea over a century old - sometimes the best ideas are the first ones, or the ones right under your tree.

Have a great holiday! Spend some time with your friends and relatives; and then as soon as they go or when they're not looking or crocked on the special egg nog , sneak down to your layout or workbench and play with your trains!

The above pic, BNSF freight north of Raton Pass Dec.2, 2009