Sunday morning, we took a little trip out to Struthers, OH for a whistle stop visit by Big Boy.
If you’re not aware, Big Boy is a massive, 80+ year old steam locomotive that’s been touring the country in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
I’m not a train buff or anything, but learning about its history was very interesting and seeing that behemoth up close was awe-inspiring. It’s 16 feet tall and weighs in at more than a million pounds! The whistle stop was scheduled for about 1130a and it was set to depart Struthers at noon. We timed the hour drive to get to town about 1030/1045 and parked about a 10-minute walk away. We joined several thousand people near the stop and waited for its arrival.
Holy cow the sound of the incoming whistle was LOUD from the massive beast. And the energy in the crowd was palpable as it pulled into the station.
Visibility was difficult with such a large crowd in a small, though open space, so we walked a little way along the downtown street for a better vantage point when the train pulled out to continue its journey. We got lucky and found a great spot with other folks just 25’ from the track.
I have to confess it was my wife’s idea to go see Big Boy; but after nearly 40 years of marriage, I’ve learned to trust her (better) judgment. Even though I’m not a train buff, it was a really fun experience and 100% worth the hour drive each way.
You can learn more about the Big Boy story here
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