Love The Craft - Edition 3 Preface
Edition 3 Preface
“It’s more a love for the craft of railroading than anything else for me.”
With an effortless glide of his left hand, Nick Breeden grabs the shiny brass handle of the automatic brake, reducing the train line brake pressure with precision. Our humble chariot is a class K-28 locomotive, built in 1923 by the Alco Locomotive Works. Behind us, some 400 people are enjoying a peaceful ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, taking in the sights of the Animas Canyon and the experience of riding behind a century-old machine. Isolated from the passengers though, Nick and I share our thoughts on the industry that has become our lives as we take the train 45 miles down steep grades and sharp curves. Having both worked at a handful of railroads prior to landing in Durango, Colorado, we agree that while the trains we operate and work with are fascinating, the lifestyle of railroading and is really what resonates with us.
Something about trains just captivates mankind; Like beavers see a rushing river and think “build dam”, humans once saw a great plain or valley and thought “build railroad”. Even now, we all stop to watch as a train goes by, we all know some folklore about trains, and most everyone has a family member that worked for the railroads. Trains have some inherent attractive trait that always lead us excited – or even curious. But one step further, those inside the railroad universe know of a universe consisting of tales and characters far beyond what could ever be written down. The sciences, arts, rules, and stories that all play into railroading make up a world that is so much more dense than one might expect. It’s this allure that took me to start writing stories back when I was just 17 as I began to uncover this all myself, and what keeps me invested to this day. Trains always find a new way to surprise me, and I learn something new every day that I railroad.
Edition two of Behind the Throttle introduced us to engineers, administrators, machinists, conductors, and more - all of those people railroaders. Each of their crafts all play into the larger machine that turns the wheels of the railroad machine, keeping trains moving, water boiling, and people smiling. Out last edition was a triumph for me, where I once again got to learn and share the stories of folks who railroad in some way or another, and I look forward to doing it again in Edition Three of the course of the next several months. My intent to share ideas of positivity, passion, inspiration, and gratitude has matured into writing stories that express celebrations and hopes, and as we recognize the achievements of those spotlighted, we share their ambitions for what comes next. Similarly, I am excited to highlight the ideas of culture and the bonds that come from those within the industry, discussing the lives that bloom from a career and the families that form along the right-of-way
As Nick and I worked together to keep our locomotive steaming and train running, we’re both participating in a time-vested occupation. Even our little steam railroad that exists now just for tourist traffic has evolved and changed in time, finding new ways to overcome challenges and circumstances – overall continuing to run. Every railroad comes with a story, and most of them are still being written – just the same as the stories of the men and women who operate them. Railroaders write their stories with spike mauls, shovels, radios, hand signals, lathes, welding irons, lanterns, and more – but above all they move forward with passion and determination. As always, we look forward to sharing their stories, giving them all a voice, and preserving their lessons for those who come next.
Thanks for reading along. Stay tuned for edition three, and as always, I’ll see you down the line.