Re: An Engineer's Comments (His Language, NOT mine)

A few months back as I approached the Reed Market BNSF crossing the lights began to flash so I promptly stopped, then the gates began dropping down. The driver behind me was irritated and sounded his horn to let me know it. I'm sure he wanted me to keep going so he could get through before the gates came all the way down. I, on the other hand wanted to watch the freight go by.

I was rewarded in stopping. As the lead engine passed I lifted my hand in a brief wave to the Engineer. He gave me a slight wave in return. Then I think he saw my license plates (SVRY) and my window sticker for SVRy. He abruptly turned and waved with a big smile, leaning out of the cab window and looking back as he passed by. A kid at heart, it made my otherwise routine day.

Being a railfan, I look both ways even if the lights are not flashing or the gates not coming down to see if I have a good excuse to stop. If I see a train in the distance I will pull over to the side if possible to let others get by while I watch the freight pass by.

To those on their way home after work or for whatever reason I suppose the train is nuisance, and the challenge to beat it at the crossing deemed to be worth the risk. Too bad they don't appreciate a little slowing down in life to observe the wonderment of steel on steel and the throbbing of a big diesel (I do wish it were the sound of steam however).

dan (near Bend, OR)