Still Steamin'

Recently, Kelsey and I visited our good friends in the DFW area and had the opportunity to go to Six Flags over Texas a couple of times while there. This post isn't about the wonderful trip we had or even the fun we had on all of the different rides during some very nice fall weather that Texas has been experiencing lately. This post pertains to locomotion. The trains that circle the Six Flags park are the oldest operating attraction at the park, in continuous operation since the park opened in 1961. Rest assured that if you have visited the park and rode the train, you rode on one of these cherished antiques, although you may not even have realized the rarity of what you were witnessing at the time. Fortunately for my family and friends, you all have me here to bring this into light so that the next time you go, you can fully appreciate what is going on there and perhaps even give your kids a quick history lesson about it. What in the world, you may ask me, is so special about these amusement park trains? Well, that's just it...the two trains in operation there did not start out as amusement park trains. They were both in operation on sugar plantations for most of their lives. One of the engines began it's life in 1897 and the other in 1901. Additionally, unlike so many of the amusement park locomotives that we see today, both of these are still STEAM powered. Yes, it's true! God bless the owners and operators of Six Flags over Texas for keeping these treasures running for future generations to witness a piece of history in action. It is my understanding that these two steam engines were retired from service on the plantations around 1948 and obtained by Six Flags prior to 1961 and put into service on the opening day of the park. They have been running there ever since. Visitors to the Six Flags train ride in Texas get to see, feel, and hear real iron horses in action. Believe me, it's different and I can't get enough of the old steam trains. The cinders, the fire, the steam whistles, and just the sight of all of the mechanical parts in motion are an amazing feat. I love seeing the fire's glowing reflection on the ground and in the cab at night, hearing the unmistakably hollow, lonesome steam whistle's sound, and listening to all of the sounds that only a steam engine under fire can create! While visiting the park the last few times, I spoke to the engineers who are always happy to talk about their, "Babies", and what it's like to fire one of these machines. One thing always seems to ring true when they talk about running these trains...it is a labor of love and there is nothing like it in the world! This seems to be true whether you are talking to the fireman and engineer of one of the mighty Union Pacific giants or the much smaller plantation engines at Six Flags. They all say that each steam engine is unique and is an individual in itself in regards to how it runs, and how it talks back to the crew to let them know what it needs. One thing for sure, the feeling I get seeing them run is inexplicable but it's just something one has to experience for themselves and realize at that time that you are witnessing a machine that is still running reliably and as strong as ever, despite the fact that it is 111 years old, in this particular case! How many vehicles are built today, in 2008, that will still be fully operational in 2119? Something to think about, considering all of the supposed progress that we have made since the early 1900's, huh?

Regardless of your thoughts on steam power vs. diesel power, if you ever find yourself at Six Flags over Texas, make sure and ride the train, taking the time to pause for a moment and witness the piece of history that you are experiencing a part of. These trains seem to speak directly to my soul, perhaps they will do the same for you!