Chapter 1: The Enchantment of Steam

What is it that draws me so strongly to steam locomotives? The mere sound of their whistle evokes a profound emotional response in me. On a crisp morning, October 10, 2019, my son and I rose before dawn and set off from Santa Monica to Yermo, California. The newly refurbished Union Pacific 4014 steam locomotive was scheduled to stop there overnight, resting before its journey to Los Angeles for weekend excursions.

In the Yermo UP yard, more than a hundred enthusiasts gathered, eager to capture photos, converse with the crew, and witness the locomotive's transformation as the sun began to rise. This eclectic crowd included railfans, photographers, curious children, seasoned railroaders, and the simply fascinated.

After our time in Yermo, we made our way to Barstow, CA, to catch a glimpse of the magnificent #4014 as it rolled past. With its impressive 4–8–8–4 configuration and a length of 132 feet, it was a sight to behold. Our next stop was Victorville, where the locomotive took a break for routine maintenance and a chance to rest for 45 minutes. The area around the Amtrak station was packed with onlookers eager to witness this incredible piece of machinery.

As we traveled, it became clear that wherever we went, throngs of people had gathered to witness the revival of this nearly 80-year-old mechanical wonder.

My fascination with steam locomotives traces back to my early childhood, around ages four or five, in Fortville, Indiana, a small town northeast of Indianapolis. Situated along what was once the mainline of the New York Central Railroad, I was captivated by the powerful locomotives speeding through at 60-70 mph.

What lies behind this emotional reaction? Is it mere nostalgia, or does it stem from deeper, unresolved feelings? Perhaps my connection to these machines echoes my early experiences of feeling overlooked by my father, who seemed to favor my older brother.

In my mother's final years, she revealed that my father had even attempted to have her terminate her pregnancy with me. This revelation added another layer to my emotions surrounding steam locomotives and their memories.

A vivid memory arose when our youngest son arranged throttle time for his brother and me to operate the Nickel Plate #765, a locomotive owned by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society in Indiana. The experience of controlling a machine weighing nearly a million pounds remains one of the highlights of my life.

Throughout our lives, I have shared many such moments with my sons. Living near the Norfolk Southern Railroad, our oldest son was always captivated by the freight trains passing by, and his younger brother soon joined in this passion.

The Nickel Plate #765, which underwent restoration in 1979 after spending nearly two decades idle in a Fort Wayne park, was built in 1944 by the Lima Locomotive Works primarily for freight transport. Weighing 800,000 pounds, it carries 22,000 gallons of water and 22 tons of coal in its tender. Due to the disappearance of the old water towers, an auxiliary tender now provides an additional 22,000 gallons of water.

When my sons were 8 and 10, I took them on an unforgettable excursion behind the Nickel Plate 765 from New Haven to Peru, Indiana, and back. This journey retraced my childhood, passing through Wabash, where I saw the remnants of the woods and fields where I once played. From the train, I spotted the house on the hill that had been home to my family for three generations.

The route followed the old Wabash line of the modern Norfolk Southern Railroad, which runs along the broad Maumee Spillway, remnants of a glacial lake. The rich farmland, once swamp, appeared as a sea of browning corn, dotted with green trees and various species of flora.

Steam locomotives have always had a unique charm, their high-pitched whistles piercing the air. I remember listening for the signature two long blasts, a short one, followed by another long one as the engine approached crossings. The experience of hearing a steam locomotive whistle at night evokes a sense of mystique akin to the ocean's allure.

The old Wabash Railroad line has been a constant presence in my life. My paternal grandparents lived adjacent to the Wabash yard in Peru, and my maternal grandparents' house was near the tracks. The home where I introduced my sons to trains was also close to the railroad, so I have lived near it for most of my life.

As I sat in the backseat, my sons discussed our strategy for following the Union Pacific 4014. We stopped at various vantage points along the route, capturing countless photos. At each stop, we encountered fellow enthusiasts, all drawn together by a shared fascination with this magnificent relic of the past.

As the days unfolded, my thoughts turned to Fort Wayne, where the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society proposed a rail and transportation history center to be included in the city's riverfront development plans. Unfortunately, some influential figures overlooked its potential, leading to its removal from the plans, with a vague promise to find a suitable site elsewhere.

This proposed attraction, named Headwater's Junction, could have brought thousands of visitors to downtown Fort Wayne, featuring a roundhouse filled with locomotives, a restaurant, and other facilities. Located on the site of a former railyard, it would also connect to the city's interurban history and potentially link to the acclaimed children's zoo. Regrettably, such visions are rarely realized in politics, where opportunities are often deferred indefinitely.

Throughout our journeys, I watched crowds gather along the 100-mile route, eager to witness the 4014. Caravans of vehicles congested Interstate 15 and the side roads, all attempting to follow the locomotive's path. The sight was overwhelming—people filled with awe, joy, and even tears. These machines awaken deep-seated emotions and yearnings we often overlook until triggered by such experiences.

Standing on a bridge above the West Colton Union Pacific Yard, I was surrounded by 200 others, all captivated by the sight of the massive black locomotive belching smoke and steam as it passed beneath us.

I find it difficult to articulate the reasons behind this attraction. Despite my efforts to analyze and understand it, words often fail. Yet, that is inconsequential. What matters is the joy of being present in the moment, allowing the experience to envelop me. If given the chance next year, I would eagerly relive this adventure once again.

Chapter 2: The Magic of Steam Engines

Thomas Embodied the Magic of Steam Engines - This video delves into the history and enchantment of steam locomotives, showcasing their majestic presence and the nostalgia they evoke.

Don't Play with Steam Locomotives or You'll Fall in Love!!! - An entertaining exploration of the charm and allure of steam locomotives that captivates enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.