Trains, Trains, Trains: Vintage Excursion Trains

Railroad tracks encircle Neosho on the north and east sides of the city. Judging by how often I am stopped to wait for a train, railroad traffic in today's cyber world remains active but I long for the days when passenger trains were as common as freights. My son has been an avid fan of Thomas the Tank Engine since he was a toddler but real trains fascinate him as well.

On a recent vacation in Branson we took time to ride the Ozark Scenic Railway that departs from the train station in downtown Branson. Until fifteen minutes before departure no one - including the railroad staff - knows whether the train will go north or south into Arkansas. Which direction is taken depends on other railroad traffic.

Our trip took us south into Arkansas through some of the most scenic country in the Ozarks. Riding high above the tracks in an antique, restored Zephyr car we had a bird's eye view of the scenery and could gaze out over the treetops.

Unlike our highways which fast become lined with businesses and billboards, the tracks run through wild forests and offer a view that can't be found elsewhere. Even the most remote country road has utility poles, homes, and other indications of modern life.

Since railroads and trains delight me almost as much as they do my son, Patrick, we didn't remain in our seats but wandered the length of the train, through the dining car and made a visit to each of the other coaches.

A few days later we made the trip down to Eureka Springs by car and rode another train. The Northwest Arkansas Railroad ride was shorter than the trip that departed from Branson but it was as enjoyable as well.

The passenger coaches there were not in as mint condition as the Zephyrs and the ride was not as smooth. One of the highlights of the trip came when the engine used a turntable to turn around for the return trip. Passengers were asked to step down from the train and were given the chance to put coins on the rails. The iron wheels of the train flattened them into instant souvenirs and the conductor suggested that we ladies might have ours made into earrings.

Of course, on our visits to Silver Dollar City we always ride the Frisco Silver Dollar Line. My son is partial to that small red engine and I like the connection between past and present. I first rode that train when I was younger than my son in the company of my grandparents. Granny was the daughter of a railroad engineer and each of her brothers became a railroader as well so she had affection for trains. Although riding a train at an amusement park may seem like a small link in the chain, it is part of the bonds that we forge between the generations. Someday I hope to ride the Frisco Silver Dollar Line with my grandchildren and if the good Lord is willing, my great-grandchildren.

There was one more small train on our recent trip. At the newer Celebration City Park, Patrick made a dream come true by "driving" the miniature train designed for small children. Although I couldn't ride along on that trip I was happy to watch his joy.

Although train travel is now a novelty I yearn for the days of valve oil, coal smoke and steam. Those days may be gone but they are far from forgotten and a taste of train travel may be had in our own backyard.