Brandon T. Productions

A Railfan's Story

You hear a faint horn in the distance, a ghostly moan one might think. Over the scanner you hear, NS 305, clear, South Marion. It is at this time you begin walking, walking toward your next shot. It seems as though an hour has passed before you see the triangle headlight arrangement swing around the bend south of town, with the lower two lights flashing. I see it! A young child calls. You nod your head with a smile on your face. The camera turns on, tripod adjustments are made, and the record button is pressed. The photo line takes aim, ready, and fires the shutter. NS 305, clear, Marion AC! The radio calls out. The shutters continue to snap as the photographers pivot their entire bodies to shoot the train as it passes. A few horn blasts from the engineer and a small wave from the conductor signifies that we are welcome here. It slams the diamond with brute force as the earth around you shakes. Some cover their ears, some run away, but most just stand and watch as the Bellevue-bound freight train passes by. As the 120th car passes and brings up the end of this train, some walk away and some go home. You on the other hand stand there, waiting for the next one.

less