I like trains

I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively since starting Payne Engineering, and always look forward to taking Amtrak whenever possible. You will usually find me at the dining car, or at one of the end booths with a table.  Imagine my excitement when I found that we were able to share our train "booth" with two of the most enthusiastic Amtrak employees who had a special fondness for all things trains and Amtrak.

I learned so much from Joe Gehrig and Blessing Agoha, so much that my next post will be "I Like Trains, Part 2 - and their Train Stations"

We talked about trains and Amtrak for the entire ride from Philadelphia to Union Station, DC.  

Besides sharing an interest in trains, I was made even more proud that Amtrak is a part of our Northeast Corridor American tradition.  These two Amtrak employees sacrificed a Sunday to volunteer for Earth Day, to plant trees at an elementary school, and we got to see their honest authenticity as they returned home tired from a long trip.  What are the chances that I met the only two enthusiastic Amtrak employees?  These two people are amazing of themselves, and I doubt it matters where they work, but it is still impressive that Amtrak (or any company) can foster such positivity.  I don't think companies can make great people, but I have personally seen them crush a few spirits.

In that light, I want it to be my ambition to celebrate amazing and happy people.  Joe was kind enough to extend our train conversation into a tour of Union Station, and then was thoughtful enough to send us some Amtrak swag, pictured above.  So grateful, thanks Joe.

So, here are a few of my favorite train photos, that I got to revisit and thumb through thanks to Amtrak and their team.