The 611 chugs out of town putting on an impressive show. There's NOTHING that comes close to experiencing steam first hand. It's nice to see the stuffed and mounted examples of steam locomotives at museums, but you don't get the sense of power and animation, nor the smells and feeling of the rumble and heat, or really hear all the characteristics of the raspy whistle. Even the most renowned museums like the Smithsonian plays recordings to try and get you immersed in the history, but it will never do it justice. I never really cared about steam until I got to experience it first hand. Check it out if you ever get the opportunity and support the organizations that keep it alive.
