Does anyone else love choo choo trains ?
Thinking of taking a train all around the US but no idea where to even start. Is this even possible ? About how long would it take ? Any recommendations from anyone who has done it ?
Have you thought about a train simulator? Much less expensive. I know there is one for the Occulus Rift (VR). My wife was watching a scenic canal show based in the UK which kind of reminded me of the relaxing vibe you maybe seeking. They just mount a camera on the front of a boat as it slowly travels a canal system.
Ok, so I’m not poo pooing your idea, but I think the idea of riding around the entire US if the idea is to travel from one end of the US to the other, would take a lot of time, be expensive, and mostly would be boring and not that “romantic” or “nostalgic”. Average Amtrack travel is not worth writing home about. Instead I would first focus on Scenic railroads, where you can get some nostalgic vibes. I’m not an expert, but my impression is that many (most?) are not designed to take you anywhere, as far as covering a lot of distance, but some might.
From the first link I’ve been on the Cass Railroad in West Virginia, steam locomotive, it starts out from what used to be a company town and takes you up the mountain and back. Nothing at the top, but the view.
I also remember a Steam Train you could ride out of Keystone, S. Dakota, near Mt Rushmore, that was not as spectacular as I imagined it would be. I’m not sure if this is the same one:
www.1880train.com
After you get your fill of scenic railroads, I would think one of the best locals in the US to take a plain train would be from Chicago to the West Coast. And the scenery in both western Canada and Alaska might knock your socks off.
All aboard these scenic train rides
www.bigroads.com
The impressive train network crisscrosses most of Canada, this is definitely the best way for travelers to immerse themselves in the scenery free of stress. Here is a list of the most scenic train railroad rides in Canada.
trip101.com
I also remember seeing a Cog Railroad that goes up Pikes Peak.
It's always Peak Season at the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway - sit back, relax and enjoy all 14,115 feet of perfect views!
www.pikes-peak.com
Here is one for Mt. Washington.
The World’s First Mountain Climbing Cog Railway. In the White Mountains of NH, climbing to the peak of Mount Washington. The Premier New England Attraction.
www.thecog.com
Then if you want to get adventurous, there is train jumping.
When I was in college (1973ish), after watching a movie, where jumping a rain was involved, (not this one, but it’s one of my favorites- Fried Green Tomatoes), I fantasized about jumping on a freight train in Syracuse, NY and riding it down to Buffalo. But I never got to the point where I tried it. The trains traveling though town slowed way down, I assumed making them easy to hop on. The second link below is for Europe.
www.runawayguide.com
