Times they are a changin'. In recent years, the demographics of the railroad crews at tourist railroads and museums have begun to shift a bit. It isn't just the boys who are playing with trains these days. As I travel around the US, I see more and more women getting their hands greasy and loving it. In West Virgina, I met a lady who fired Shays and was as knowledgeable about the equipment as any of the guys she worked with. In California, I met an experienced female fireman, who was not only teaching the new guys her craft, but was about to move into the engineer's seat on a rather famous 10-wheeler. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is another place that welcomes youth and diversity. The young lady pictured here is not only tending to the massive air pumps on the big Alco #93, but when she's done, she'll be out in the yard running one of the line's diesel yard goats switching cars.
Yes, the times, they are a changin'....and that's a very good thing. Here's hoping that the youth of America....both boys and girls...will continue to develop an appreciation for the historic artifacts that helped to build this great country, and will go on to become the next generation of stewards who will care for these machines in the future.
A tribute of appreciation to the workers who maintain the track, keeping our railways in shape regardless of weather and danger, and keeping them running effeciently.
