Meet the Crew

Before I get into more details about our excursions I want to take this opportunity to introduce the members of the Misfit Train Chasers.

Lets start off with our driver: Ed.  He's a family friend and the father of one of the other members of the crew.  He's responsible for getting us to and from locations, as well as pacing and racing the train.  We love to torment him and tell him he's not going fast enough, but he always manages to get us to the location we want to be at.  During one of our trips we had to practically peel him out from behind the wheel, but you'll just have to wait and learn more about that one.  He's always helpful when it comes to gadgets, and if something isn't right he's usually the one that can fix it.  Our crew wouldn't be complete without him.

In no particular order lets continue with the guy who has loved trains his whole life: Josh.  He's a hardcore train enthusiast who chases steam and freight trains across the country.  He's the go to guy for the best locations for photos and video.  Although he specializes in video he also shoots photography.  This guy knows his trains and if you want to know special information about the train in question he'll probably know the answer.  He's also the guy that normally has something weird happen to him, for instance running out of his shoe while he dashes down the road.  You could say he's started all this madness, for he's the one that has been chasing the longest.  (I guess you could say that it's his fault that we're all crazy...maybe)

Then there's Milissa.  She just goes with the flow, quick with funny comments and remarks; you never know what is going to come out of her mouth.  Armed with her camera and phone she is one you don't want to mess with.  She is the go to girl for information: updates on schedule changes, progress on weather and other general information.  She's also the resident sleeper, you'd be surprised how quickly she can fall asleep and some of the places.  But thats usually only after a very long day of train chasing.

Our newest crew member is Reesa.    We can call her a rookie, but don't let that fool you.  She is quick with the camera and she knows her stuff.  She helps Josh shoot his video while he takes photos.  They're a great team and some awesome footage comes out between the two of them.  She just started chasing with us at the start of the year and she catches on quick.  She may not be in love with the trains like us (hey we're crazy) but she loves the excitement that goes along with the chase.

The rest of the crew is related to me; this will explain quite a bit.  First off we have Ken (Dad or in some cases Old Man.)  He's the reason why I love trains as much as I do.  He's been fascinated with them since he was a little boy and has passed that on to me.  When I was little we would be standing out on the observation car in rain, snow or heat for the entire trip.  You have to watch him though, he can't be trusted on uneven ground or near holes.  Then he tends to do acrobatic tricks that are quite amusing.  He just purchased a new camera and is excited to try it out.  

Next is Mary (Mom).  She is pretty much the voice of reason (sometimes).  She likes trains but isn't as hardcore (crazy) like me and my dad.  She tags along in the back taking photos and just having fun with the crew.  I will say she's an easy target, and sometimes end up as the butt of our jokes.  It's all in good fun and she retaliates (for those of you worried about that).  Mom's usually the one yelling at me or my dad to step back from the tracks.  Apparently we're not satisfied with a shot unless we're inches from the front of the train.

Then there is Carrie.  I guess you could say she's an honorary member of the crew.  She isn't as taken with train chasing as the rest of us.  She likes the camaraderie but is not too keen on jumping in and out of the car as we race down the road.  There are many times that she calls us crazy, but this is usually when she has white knuckles from holding onto the seat in front of her.  (Can't imagine why she would need to hold on...do you?)  She's more of a train passenger then an actual train chaser.  We'll convert her yet.

Last but not least there is me.  I am what the group calls a "Steam Snob."  I refuse to take photos of diesel engines and I'm not thrilled when I ride them either.  Most of the crew are excited for any train ride, but I'm usually the one griping that it isn't steam.  I can't really explain my fascination with steam, but you'd understand if you were standing at a railroad crossing seeing the black smoke steaming from the stack, hearing the chug of the engine and the beautiful sound of a whistle from the boiler within.  I just started out taking photos for fun, but quickly discovered that this was one subject I seemed to excel at.  I tend to be the one with ideas to chase this train or that.  I research all over the country trying to find steam trains that are unique.

That's the misfit crew.  Now you know, so when I mention names you will have a sense of background knowledge.      

Aren't we a good looking bunch?