Trains in the Rain

On March 1st, despite the downpour of rain, rail fans, gear heads and history buffs alike made their way to the Orange Empire Railway Museum for the Railroadiana swap meet. The property was covered with antique and modern railway equipment and locomotives; from the development of the crossing sign into the crossing signal. This provided an experience illustrating the evolution of the train from steam engine to diesel pusher. The exhibit also featured the train Chloe which was previously owned by Ward Kimball, Disney`s head animator. Jim Baird a vendor at the event said, "I`m really into early west mining, so for me its the history of trains that I love." Railto resident George Bombardier said, "I bought a set of model trains and after that I was hooked, I loved trains ever since, It was like a drug to me." Train conductor John Sanford said, "What's not to love about trains? being a railroader is a good old fashion job, it's a culture and a lifestyle that I love!" Joseph Fritzgerald, 17, said, “I'm always in another world but when I`m around trains I`m just zoned in. I think it's just that feeling you get when you’re not moving but you look outside and everything else is." Jack Ross a train enthusiast said, "When I was a kid growing up they were restoring a steam engine and I would hear the sounds of the train at night. It was just one of the neatest sounds I ever heard and that's how I got hooked. It’s a kind of love affair, There's so much romance behind it, a kind of luxury with so much history it fascinates me," said Ross. The Orange Railway Museum will also be hosting a Iron Horse Family Steam-punk Carnival event on March 15 and 16. Steam punk is a sub genre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century.