One of the hundreds of buildings AMTRAK 141 passes on the way to New York City.
The notes in my blog-idea-tracking system, a.k.a. Trello tell me that I’m supposed to remind a lot of people that National Train Day will be celebrated (quietly) on Saturday, May 9th. I’ve been dedicating a post on my blog on the “Saturday closest to May 10th” (as AMTRAK defined it) for several years. Unfortunately, AMTRAK, due to a lack of wisdomforesight funding from the US Congress, discontinued National Train Day in 2015. Fortunately, train lovers are every bit as passionate about trains as door lovers are about doors – we continue to celebrate National Train Day. Also. AMTRAK now celebrates an event known as Amtrak Train Days on several days during the spring, summer and fall. As much as I appreciate Amtrak Train Days, I am still going to support National Train Day
Given the steps being taken to slow the spread of the Corona virus, most National Train Day activities have been cancelled this year.
So, while I will do something to recognize trains, and railroads on May 9th, I want to share some railroad doors with you today. Some of these doors have appeared here before. Some have appeared on my blog, but not for Thursday Doors (the fun-filled blog hop orchestrated by Norm Frampton).
I hope you will enjoy these doors, and I hope you will visit Norm’s blog to look at his doors. In addition, please check the comments on Norm’s blog for links to the blogs of people who visit Norm from all over the world to share their doors.
Connecticut Southern Loco in the Hartford north end rail yards.
CSX Maintenance car.
Best guess from a follower on Flickr is that this is a Ballast Cleaner. Ballast is the material inside and alongside the rails rocks).
Daily Safety Checklist 1) Am I mentally and physically prepared to safely perform my duties? 2) Have I prepared people working for me to perform their duties safely? 3) Do I understand the assigned job? 4) Can I safely perform this job? 5) Have I inspected my tools and equipment? 6) Have I looked for unsafe conditions in the work area? 7) If I answered any of the above ‘No’, what action must I take to change this response?
This is the Brooklyn rail yard. I would imagine this is 100 full today, as rail traffic in New York City is down by 95%
I have shared this stone arch bridge many times, but this is one time when I actually saw a train on it.
AMTRAK Metroliner service from Springfield, MA to Washington D.C. at Hartford’s Union Station.
Looking out the back door of AMTRAK 141 as we leave Windsor Locks station/platform.
Historic railroad station in Windsor, CT.
Looking down from my hotel room in Dallas, TX onto the platforms and tracks behind Union Station.
More track cleaning equipment. I can only imagine Faith thinking “Foreign Containment” as the little guy in WALL-E M-O
You might recognize my favorite locomotive – New Haven Railroad
New England Central Locomotive.
This purposely derailed train is staged at the National Guard training facility in our town.
My friend – and railroad expert – David identified this as a GE Dash
One of the hundreds of buildings AMTRAK 141 passes on the way to New York City.
I was particularly struck by the safety checklist, Dan. Maybe I need one of those to start each day (after I have had my coffee). I love all of the different trains and have fond memories of a trip that I took almost twenty-five years ago on AMTRAK from Washington DC to Seattle, Washington and back via Chicago.
I would love to make that trip, Mike. I hope to still be able to make a long journey by train at some point. Clearly not in the near future.
The idea of a daily checklist like that is impressive. When you consider what these people are working with, and the dangers that exist, I can understand it’s importance.
Yes. In some ways it’s probably like the checklist that aircraft personnel use. The consequences of failure are significant–zero defects is what they have to shoot for. As for the train ride, I loved it, but you have enjoy the experience of slow travel–most people prefer to get to the destination more quickly and will fly.
Hi Dan – I totally endorse Mike’s thought on the checklist … how very interesting to see! I did love seeing the trains out in Canada … and have always enjoyed them … wonderful buildings, tracks and scenery as the trains work. Take care and here’s to National Train day … Hilary
Thanks Hilary. I’ll be back with a tribute in May, albeit from a distance. I love trains. The checklist is something I think almost anyone could adapt to fit their day.
I can’t imagine a time when trains would become obsolete. They are a part of our early history and will continue to be part of our future history. They’re ginormous and loud hulks of metal, but at the same time are magical because they conjure up wonderful fantasies.
Great safety check list! One a lot of businesses would do well to adopt.
There’s nothing like the distant sound of a train whistle to get my imagination going!
🐾Ginger 🐾
I can hear AMTRAK 141 every morning around 6:10. My wife sometimes says “there goes your train.” I miss riding that train. From here to Washington, DC was the nicest seven hours.
I do think they will always be a part of our economy. I wish we had the collective wisdom to make them a bigger part.
The checklist is a great idea, for every workplace.
This was a fun post Dan. I’ve always said that the train is a relaxing, more civilized way to travel. It’s such a shame that North Americans don’t value it the way they do in other parts of the world.
I think I have a conductor’s hat laying around somewhere. I’ll try to dig it out and remember to wear it on May 9th – choo-choo!
I am glad the derailed train was only staged and not real! I love your image of the station in Windsor. It’s lovely.
I’ve been saving some train images for National Train Day. Thank you for the reminder! I haven’t been working on them I need to make a start to get them ready to post.
I look forward to seeing your post, Deborah. A virtual train day celebration is in order. I was shocked the first time I saw the derailed train (it’s visible from our local ice cream stand). I looked it up and read that it had been staged for a training exercise and they decided to leave it in place so area rescue crews can train there.
That Daily Checklist could have hung in my old Risk Management Dept–what a great listing. The purposely derailed train….just because? I think I told you that I used to take the Amtrak from NJ to NYC. So convenient. There was talk of opening up our Amtrak here in my town in FL, but that never happened. Shame.
Train doors? Spectacular! Kudos on continuing to celebrate Train Day, Dan. Celebrate what you want. It would be great if everyone would have more whimsical celebrations of simple things. I love the bright yellow maintenance car. Yellow is a happy color. Hugs on the wing!
Yes, I figured that was the purpose of the bright color. But I do like yellow. :D
I was trying to “celebrate” the fact that this month marked my one year anniversary in my home. I even made a video yesterday. But I got off track though, now I’m trying to reboot my celebratory thinking.
Although I can sometimes hear the trains from our home, I haven’t ridden on one since I retired. I must fix that… sometime in the future when we can travel again. I’m looking forward to your National Train Day post.
Trains deserve a National Day! I’ve enjoyed several relaxing rides to various places. One great wish is to ride Amtrak to Glacier National Park (possibly from Chicago?). Great timing on getting the train on the bridge. I love the fancy do-dads on the train station in Windsor. It seems every town with a train has a “Union Station”.
I saw David!! :-) Now where’s Skippy? :-) I like the trains and I love the historic station. I still think I’d like to take a train ride across western Canada, but who knows if that will every happen.
This is the David who has loaned his name to our composite character. He is also a significant contributor to that character. I shared some very good times at many different bars with him. Skippy, hmmmm, I might have to get permission to share that. I don’t have a picture of the original Skippy, but I have one of his biggest fan and strongest advocate.
I, too, hope to make one long journey by train. I hope we get the opportunity.
I love trains and have ridden on many. Once my family and I traveled from NY to CA. My third child was a baby at the time. Aretha Franklin was walking through the car and saw us. She stopped and commented on the baby’s chubby cheeks and then went on her way. :) She was as kind as she was an extraordinary singer.
When I visit my brother, I get a feel for that. I think they have over 80 trains a day coming through town. I still love hearing the sounds. His daughter’s first apartment was right near the tracks. It was near constant background “music.” I can see how it might be an acquired taste ;-)
Your menagerie of pictures reminded me of the only trip I’ve taken by train. It wasn’t a pleasant one. I rode from Tennessee to Colorado on the lower level because of my disability and the fact I was alone. Riding on a train on the lower deck ensures you don’t see much when you look out the window. Every once in awhile, my husband and I talk about taking a train trip all around the country. Of course, we would be on the upper level and have the money to have a cabin with a berth.
Ah, you’ve found a way to make a doors post even better: train doors! What a treat to scroll through all these. I miss my daily train commute. Nice post, Dan!
I’m sorry to hear that you’re missing that train, Paul. I hope that means you can work from home. I was hoping to find a way to take a nice train ride this summer. That looks doubtful at this point. I’m glad you enjoyed these doors. I can still hear the “Doors Closing” recording from the Metro.
Yes, I’ve been able to remotely here and there in the past — it’s just full-time for now. Very grateful for that. My heart goes out to all who don’t have that ability. And yes, ha, that “doors closing” recording is hard to forget!
The Windsor CT train station is lovely. The stone bridge with the train, a great mix of old and new. One can never have too many trains! Thanks for a great post and photos, Dan.
Hi Dan, your post puts me in mind of two wonderful train trips. One was from Houston, Texas to Galveston – cue Glen Campbell music -. We won the tickets and a nights lodging at a work party and were very poor at the time so it was greatly appreciated. The second was in Alaska – I believe it was Anchorage to Seward – breathtaking. Thanks for the memories, and great industrial doors!
I love that historic train station! And, man, my heart stopped when I saw the derailed train. Glad it’s a staging, not a fer realz. I think I was scarred by watching Saratoga Trunk at an impressionable age. Big train wreck in that picture. Scarred me. Scarred.
Very nice. I’ve always had a fascination with trains. I’ve only ridden on Amtrak trains a couple of times, and most of my experience riding trains has been in China in the 90’s. My dad has a large model train set up in the garage (used to be basement when I was a kid). Anyway, your post brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, Dan!
No Facilities 
I was particularly struck by the safety checklist, Dan. Maybe I need one of those to start each day (after I have had my coffee). I love all of the different trains and have fond memories of a trip that I took almost twenty-five years ago on AMTRAK from Washington DC to Seattle, Washington and back via Chicago.
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I would love to make that trip, Mike. I hope to still be able to make a long journey by train at some point. Clearly not in the near future.
The idea of a daily checklist like that is impressive. When you consider what these people are working with, and the dangers that exist, I can understand it’s importance.
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Yes. In some ways it’s probably like the checklist that aircraft personnel use. The consequences of failure are significant–zero defects is what they have to shoot for. As for the train ride, I loved it, but you have enjoy the experience of slow travel–most people prefer to get to the destination more quickly and will fly.
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Hi Dan – I totally endorse Mike’s thought on the checklist … how very interesting to see! I did love seeing the trains out in Canada … and have always enjoyed them … wonderful buildings, tracks and scenery as the trains work. Take care and here’s to National Train day … Hilary
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Thanks Hilary. I’ll be back with a tribute in May, albeit from a distance. I love trains. The checklist is something I think almost anyone could adapt to fit their day.
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I grew up riding the train into NYC. I miss trains…
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I miss riding. By this time, in any other year, I would have traveled by train to somewhere.
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I have always loved the romanticism of trains and the history of them. They travel the country and help keep it together.
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Me too! I guess that shows 🙂
Trains remain more important than most people and politicians understand.
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I can’t imagine a time when trains would become obsolete. They are a part of our early history and will continue to be part of our future history. They’re ginormous and loud hulks of metal, but at the same time are magical because they conjure up wonderful fantasies.
Great safety check list! One a lot of businesses would do well to adopt.
There’s nothing like the distant sound of a train whistle to get my imagination going!
🐾Ginger 🐾
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I can hear AMTRAK 141 every morning around 6:10. My wife sometimes says “there goes your train.” I miss riding that train. From here to Washington, DC was the nicest seven hours.
I do think they will always be a part of our economy. I wish we had the collective wisdom to make them a bigger part.
The checklist is a great idea, for every workplace.
Take care, Ginger.
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This was a fun post Dan. I’ve always said that the train is a relaxing, more civilized way to travel. It’s such a shame that North Americans don’t value it the way they do in other parts of the world.
I think I have a conductor’s hat laying around somewhere. I’ll try to dig it out and remember to wear it on May 9th – choo-choo!
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Haha – thanks Norm. I think I have one, too. Selfies might be in order. I have to change my Train Day plans, but I’ll be OK.
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I am glad the derailed train was only staged and not real! I love your image of the station in Windsor. It’s lovely.
I’ve been saving some train images for National Train Day. Thank you for the reminder! I haven’t been working on them I need to make a start to get them ready to post.
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I look forward to seeing your post, Deborah. A virtual train day celebration is in order. I was shocked the first time I saw the derailed train (it’s visible from our local ice cream stand). I looked it up and read that it had been staged for a training exercise and they decided to leave it in place so area rescue crews can train there.
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That Daily Checklist could have hung in my old Risk Management Dept–what a great listing. The purposely derailed train….just because? I think I told you that I used to take the Amtrak from NJ to NYC. So convenient. There was talk of opening up our Amtrak here in my town in FL, but that never happened. Shame.
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The National Guard staged the train to conduct rescue training after 9/11 – they left it there so area rescue crews can conduct training exercises.
That list is very good, especially the last item – what are you going to do to fix this?
I hope that someday we will be looking to expand AMTRAK service instead of shrink it.
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Wow! Trains AND doors!
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Perhaps the best blog-combo ever!
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Train doors? Spectacular! Kudos on continuing to celebrate Train Day, Dan. Celebrate what you want. It would be great if everyone would have more whimsical celebrations of simple things. I love the bright yellow maintenance car. Yellow is a happy color. Hugs on the wing!
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I’m glad you like the yellow car. I think all the maintenance equipment is yellow for safety, but I do like them.
I am happy to celebrate, even if it’s “unofficial”
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Yes, I figured that was the purpose of the bright color. But I do like yellow. :D
I was trying to “celebrate” the fact that this month marked my one year anniversary in my home. I even made a video yesterday. But I got off track though, now I’m trying to reboot my celebratory thinking.
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Yay – I’ll toast your anniversary later. And, no, it’s not just another excuse to have a beer ;-)
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Nice photos, delightful door theme. [You know Sheldon on TBBT was a nut for trains. Not that I’m saying you’re a nut, but… ]
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Hmmm, I am often called Sheldon (and not because I’m a genius) around here. That is one of his admirable qualities.
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Although I can sometimes hear the trains from our home, I haven’t ridden on one since I retired. I must fix that… sometime in the future when we can travel again. I’m looking forward to your National Train Day post.
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I am looking forward to riding a train as soon as I can safely complete the trip.
I have to change my plans for the train day post, but I’ll figure something out. That’s the name of the game today, right, adapt?
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Trains deserve a National Day! I’ve enjoyed several relaxing rides to various places. One great wish is to ride Amtrak to Glacier National Park (possibly from Chicago?). Great timing on getting the train on the bridge. I love the fancy do-dads on the train station in Windsor. It seems every town with a train has a “Union Station”.
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I have been to a lot of Union Stations. If I had to choose a favorite, I might go crazy.
I would love to take the train you mentioned.
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I saw David!! :-) Now where’s Skippy? :-) I like the trains and I love the historic station. I still think I’d like to take a train ride across western Canada, but who knows if that will every happen.
Cheers!
janet
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This is the David who has loaned his name to our composite character. He is also a significant contributor to that character. I shared some very good times at many different bars with him. Skippy, hmmmm, I might have to get permission to share that. I don’t have a picture of the original Skippy, but I have one of his biggest fan and strongest advocate.
I, too, hope to make one long journey by train. I hope we get the opportunity.
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I know it’s THAT David. That’s why it’s an exciting sighting. 😉
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I’m sure he’ll be pleased :)
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Heeeeyyyy…David! I love trains..😊
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They are the best thing ever.
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Oh! I just remembered something. 😀
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Ha – now I know what that was :)
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I love trains and have ridden on many. Once my family and I traveled from NY to CA. My third child was a baby at the time. Aretha Franklin was walking through the car and saw us. She stopped and commented on the baby’s chubby cheeks and then went on her way. :) She was as kind as she was an extraordinary singer.
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Wow – that’s a very cool story. Your child was noticed by the queen of soul. That’s something sweet.
NY to CA would be a lovely trip. I hope to make a long trip at some point, but it might only be half that distance.
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Our country wouldn’t be the same without our railroads. Deserving of their day for sure!
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I hope they get more respect in the future.
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We have trains that come through every few hours depending on the time of day. I’m uncertain if I like it. :)
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When I visit my brother, I get a feel for that. I think they have over 80 trains a day coming through town. I still love hearing the sounds. His daughter’s first apartment was right near the tracks. It was near constant background “music.” I can see how it might be an acquired taste ;-)
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Trains, doors, friends, coffee, and cameras – all good things, Dan. :-)
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It’s all I need at the moment, Judy.
Take care.
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Your menagerie of pictures reminded me of the only trip I’ve taken by train. It wasn’t a pleasant one. I rode from Tennessee to Colorado on the lower level because of my disability and the fact I was alone. Riding on a train on the lower deck ensures you don’t see much when you look out the window. Every once in awhile, my husband and I talk about taking a train trip all around the country. Of course, we would be on the upper level and have the money to have a cabin with a berth.
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That is a dream trip of mine, Glynis. I’ve ridden seven or eight hours in a seat, but I’d love to take a longer trip and have a cabin.
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Ah, you’ve found a way to make a doors post even better: train doors! What a treat to scroll through all these. I miss my daily train commute. Nice post, Dan!
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I’m sorry to hear that you’re missing that train, Paul. I hope that means you can work from home. I was hoping to find a way to take a nice train ride this summer. That looks doubtful at this point. I’m glad you enjoyed these doors. I can still hear the “Doors Closing” recording from the Metro.
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Yes, I’ve been able to remotely here and there in the past — it’s just full-time for now. Very grateful for that. My heart goes out to all who don’t have that ability. And yes, ha, that “doors closing” recording is hard to forget!
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The Windsor CT train station is lovely. The stone bridge with the train, a great mix of old and new. One can never have too many trains! Thanks for a great post and photos, Dan.
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“One can never have too many trains! ” I like the way you think, Jennie!
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Thanks, Dan. And we know that is absolutely true. Really!
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:-)
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Hi Dan, your post puts me in mind of two wonderful train trips. One was from Houston, Texas to Galveston – cue Glen Campbell music -. We won the tickets and a nights lodging at a work party and were very poor at the time so it was greatly appreciated. The second was in Alaska – I believe it was Anchorage to Seward – breathtaking. Thanks for the memories, and great industrial doors!
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Those sound like wonderful trips, especially the one in Alaska.
I love riding on the train. I have many fond memories.
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I love that historic train station! And, man, my heart stopped when I saw the derailed train. Glad it’s a staging, not a fer realz. I think I was scarred by watching Saratoga Trunk at an impressionable age. Big train wreck in that picture. Scarred me. Scarred.
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I was scared when I fist saw that train. I didn’t understand until someone explained. It’s the unexpected.
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Very nice. I’ve always had a fascination with trains. I’ve only ridden on Amtrak trains a couple of times, and most of my experience riding trains has been in China in the 90’s. My dad has a large model train set up in the garage (used to be basement when I was a kid). Anyway, your post brought back a lot of memories. Thanks, Dan!
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We had a family friend who had a large model train set. I loved watching that.
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Love the trains 😃
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I’m glad!
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Great pics…love the Windsor station!!
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That’s a great train station.
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Love it Dan!!
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Yellow maintenance car for the win, here, Dan. I think TODAY may be the train celebration on your site. I’ll get to it :)
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Today is the day (and I do like that maintenance car).
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