Public Transportation and Smart Growth

My RR career started in 1976. 19 years young. Started as a front brakeman in freight and the G's, along with E-33's and E 44's made up most of the fleet that traversed the NEC. Eventually got promoted to Engineer and had the great experience of operating the G's in passenger service. When the Metroliner equipment was being phased out in the early eighties, we would have one G and three of 4 cars which was considered "metroliner service". Also worked what we called the "Florida Train" with two GG1's equipped with steam generators to heat the cars. Usually had between 16-20 cars. Had to take water at Philly. They were hot and dirty in the summer and cold and drafty in winter. But they would really get up and go.

All in all, a wonderful, gratifying career that lasted 44 years and 11 months. I'm bookmarking this to view the vids later. Who knows? I may see a younger version of this old man running one of those trains!

As a side note, I had the honor of transporting Senator Joseph Robinette Biden from Wilmington DE to DC many times. He really was a down to earth, regular guy.


Thanks for the post!!!