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i don't exactly know why i did this, but around 2018-2020 i would travel all over the Chicago area (and sometimes even neighboring states) in search of rare trains, usually painted in paint schemes from railroad companies that stopped existing decades ago. it took an incredible amount of patience and my parents were mad at me a lot but oh my god, the sheer joy of finding something weird or rare was indescribable
pictured:
#1: Two Illinois Central SD70s in Plainfield, IL
#2: a Burlington Northern SD60M in Cicero, IL from the Laramie Bridge
both of these locomotives are painted in paint schemes from railroads that haven't existed since the late 1990s, which is what makes them special
Apr 27, 2025
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I grew up in eastern Pennsylvania where trains were a part of life. These were not passenger trains, only cargo trains operated by Conrail. As kids we would ride BMX bikes right next to the tracks on the old service roads along our way to dirt bike tracks in the woods . These would be deep rides into the surrounding forest areas that could span 10 mile bike rides; So far out the engineers would throw us water bottles to sustain us on the travels. So I guess subconsciously I was fascinated with cargo trains always thinking where is the final destination of this one? The sound of them made me sleep very well on those cold wintery nights in PA. I currently live near a train today and have reconnected with my interest going down to grab photos and see what type of engine or company is running.
May 30, 2023
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When I was little I had to take a 5 hour train ride to get to the city where I was born to visit my family. I remember sitting there, no phone, no ipad, just painting and drawing and watching the beautiful landscapes and the horses and the cows. I was 6 and life was good.
my goal this summer is to take the train wherever possible and re-live that magic.
Mar 30, 2024
A wonderful little alternate dimension. There are only two open houses per year so there was a line around the block—but I don't think I've been getting enough chances to wait in lines lately, anyway. They really pack all the trains they can in there, in 3 different scales as well!
Mar 4, 2024
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part of me sorta wishes AI image development stopped around here. this is just far enough to be funny, but not far enough to create enormous amounts of slop and engagement bait
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the sheer joy of having a bunch of arduinos around is unmatched. i salvaged these from ewaste and will be trying to find a home for them like i'm a pet shelter
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it truly brings joy to this world when i look at my dog and he has formed a new orbular shape
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