This photo sums up, for me, why the preservation of steam railroading is important. This is Soo Line 2719 pulling a special train for the NRHS Convention on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, and it greatly resembles my first experiences with steam locomotives on Utah’s Heber Creeper. A very hot afternoon, a train of vintage mismatched equipment, and the sight of smoke filtering through the trees. The only thing missing from the photo is the sweet smell of the forest, the aroma of hot creosote ties baking in the sun, and the buzzing of insects. What an experience.
