Western Railroad Discussion > Living the Old Man's Dream - Thanks for the Wave!

Well the story is pretty simple, I grew up liking trains and thought someday I'd be running trains, but life had different plans for me, end of story, not quite. The Good Lord provided me a son on my birthday in 1988 and soon Andrew was out chasing the high iron by my side, meeting the railroaders who I called friends then and still do today. Andrew was given short little rides here and there and before long he was hooked, just like I was at his age. After High School Andrew wasn't sure which direction he would follow. He worked at a Lumber Company sorting lumber and after many splintered hands, he knew it was time to seek out the railroad. He attended NARS (National Academy of Railroad Science) in Kansas City and did quite well and landed a job with the BNSF in Alliance NE as a Conductor Trainee. He was out there for six months and was furloughed. Back to the lumber pile for awhile. The BNSF called him back out to Alliance where he made many good friends and really enjoyed the Sand Hills scenery. But the twelve hour trip home grew tiring and he bid into La Crosse on the Conductor's Extra Board. Soon he was riding trains to Minneapolis and occasionally south to Galesburg or Savanna. But this wasn't exciting enough as he wanted to run the trains not just ride them. Off to Quincy IL and the Engineer's training class. More classroom time in Kansas City and trips from Beardstown to St. Louis or Galesburg and another town further south I can't recall the name of. After about a 18 months he was awarded his Engineer's license and so it goes. He bid back to La Crosse after awhile and is now running to Chicago, Galesburg and the Twin Cities. Thursday he made a trip to Chicago with the M-LAWEOL and the BNSF 4455. I can always look back at the what might have been had I hired out or look ahead at what I see today, my son, my dream. Thanks for the wave son!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/13 13:29 by rrartist.

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Very cool and nice shot!

Matt

Thanks for the cool story. Its nice that you could catch your boy hard at work.

an enthusiastic railroader, they are the best

Right on, man! I always told my conductors to wave at the little kids and pretty girls.....that was their job! Too bad most hide behind the tinted glass. Now that is a great kid!

A great story and a great picture!!

Old Bob out in Lost Wages

What a great story!

Well done, sir.

Now that is the most positive thread I have seen in a long, long time! I can't imagine how proud you feel. My compliments and best wishes...to both of you!

JCL

Nice narrative and a picture to be proud of. Thanks for sharing.

Kent in Carmel Valley

Wonderful story and pic! Thanks for sharing.

Very cool. Great shot and story.

love all your pics from your little corner of the world. Awesome to have your boy give you a wave. I'm sure beats the splinters for him.
Steve b.

"Look Dad, no splinters!"
...great post & good luck throughout the rest of your career Andrew.

Livin' the dream! Be proud, Dad!!

To quote Mustraline
Well done Sir
I know just how you feel

My son Jason at the throttle of the Sierra Railway No. 28

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Great Father's Day Story!!!!!

Steve Utley
Salem, OR

Great story!

:)

The Iron Horse

Talked to Andrew many times over the internet, was hoping to meet him around Alliance a couple of years ago! Great post!