Lighting the Markers - Edition 2 Preface
Behind the Throttle - Edition 2 Preface
“I can’t explain to these people why I like trains, I don’t even know sometimes!”
Jon Neuer - an Engineer and Machinist on the Durango and Silverton - and I laughed as we walked along the famous hi-line of the Rocky Mountain railroad we both currently call our workplace. The stars lit up our night-time stroll along the right-of-way as we settled on a mutual conclusion: No explanation would ever make a true amount of sense to anyone (including ourselves). We just like trains, and working with them feels right.
Engineer Jon Neuer waves to a passing excursion train while his train waits to take the main. Photo by Max Harris
My love for railroading, history, and community is what lead me to start this blog back in 2019. My hope was to give recognition to some of the incredible people that I’d come in contact with through my railroad pursuits, and share stories of their motivations, efforts, and hopes for the future. For some, it was simply a job they grew to love, and for others it was a lifelong dream that they were proud to be living. Each perspective came with its own message and own impact, all equally powerful in telling the story of an industry that transcends a typical “9 to 5”.
My last story was published over three years ago on this blog. At the time I was working on an undergraduate degree, within a flurry of extracurricular tasks, and marking up as a conductor for on a shortline railroad. My dwindling free time led me to table Behind the Throttle, though that isn’t the whole story: I found that often times after publishing a story I’d receive some degree of personal negative feedback, citing some reason to dislike my most recent spotlight. Admittedly I was discouraged and found myself nervous every time I published about some form of backlash for reasons my younger self couldn’t really comprehend. Though if there is one thing I believe this world needs more of (other than mass transit and hi-speed rail), it is positivity. I’ve now come to the conclusion that being discouraged by ego and negativity is a disservice to the future of this industry that I hope persists for my hypothetical grandchildren to enjoy. Therefore, I write.
A crowd of locals from Montello, Nevada, “oooo”s and “aaaahhh”s at the Union Pacific Big Boy in 2024. Photo by Max Harris
Now armed with a degree, a bulk more experience in the world of railroading, and slightly more free time than before, I am excited to light the markers on a new chapter of Behind The Throttle. Centering around the ideas of positivity, inspiration, gratitude, and passion, I intend on feverishly writing stories that detail the lives of those who railroad. I hope to spread and inspire a forward-thinking mindset that showcases the unique individuals that make up the world of railroading. The railroad industry has always centered around the idea of pride in work, and those who continue to reflect that mindset help open the seat up to a new generation.
16-year-old Max was never prepared for this nuanced industry when I took my first job that would lead me down a career path above steel rails. My journey in this industry has been beyond mind-opening and thought-provoking, and I consider myself unbelievably lucky to call my lifelong passion my occupation. Jon and I’s evening stroll ended on us agreeing that though our jobs are often draining and unpredictable, we both feel grateful to be working with historic railroads, and take great pride in doing our jobs to the best of our abilities. It is a privilege to carry on the traditions of the railroaders who came before us, and give others a chance to indulge and appreciate an industry like no other.
Author Max Harris manning the scoop of Nevada Northern 93. Photo by Jenn Fowler.
Welcome back, and thanks for reading. Our first story will publish here in a week’s time, featuring my friend Brian Davies. In the meantime, I’m Max Harris, and I’ll see you all down the line.