My first steam cab ride:
It is December 2005. I am 7 years old. I was going to ride the Santa train at the mount Rainer Scenic Railroad in Elbe WA. Although this was my first steam cab ride it was not my first cab ride in general. That title goes to sound transit when I was 4. As a bit of surprise that days engineer let me and dad come up into the cab of Hammond Lumber Company 17, a 2-8-2T "minaret". I was in awe as I stood there in the nice warm cab looking at all the gauges and controls. after 5 minutes me and dad were about to get off and get to the train to ride. The engineer, to our surprise, offered to have us in the cab. We gladly accepted. 3 minutes later the train departed snow covered Elbe and made way to Mineral. I jumped a few times as 17 whistled for two crossings out of town. After that I got used to the sound of the whistle. I stood near the ladder of the 17 gazing out at the snowy white fields, such beauty which still amazes me. The air was cold but the cab was nice and warm from the oil burner. A few flames of the fire jumped out from underneath the firebox door, nearly reaching me. We come up to Park Junction. I gaze out in awe as I see old Milwaukee Road Equipment sitting on the old "Route of the Hiawatha". Taking a left from Park Junction (Going straight at PJ would have been disastrous as there are trees in the track) we crossed High Way 7 once more. Motorists looked in awe as the 2-8-2 glided past. Next thing I know we are over the Nisqually River, A incredible Mount Rainer looks awe inspiring as it is lit from the setting sun. Then we go through a series of s curves. Looking back I see the coaches of our train, about 3 in all. Next we go by some stored equipment at the Mineral Loop balloon track. We pause here to let Santa go through the train and meet some more kids. Next thing I know were heading back to Elbe to offload. Sooner then later Elbe appears and the passengers disembark. We thanked the Engineer for the ride to mineral and back and got off. For that day, I wasn't disappointed that I didn't get to me Santa. I was happy to have ridden in a Steam Locomotive for the first time. I went home incredibly happy that day.
E: Well it didn't end a in sort of happy way. There was some... uh.... rather
Embarrassment after watching the train go by at last main crossing. It had to do with something i ate after we got off the train. I leave you to think what happened then.