Why We Need Trains: Union Pacific

Railroads such as Union Pacific move the freight we need everyday.  Union Pacific and its predecessors helped build our nation.  The infrastructure of Class 1 Railroads such as Union Pacific is also key for Amtrak long distance passenger train service. #WhyWeNeedTrains

To see my Union Pacific Railroad artwork, visit my website customtrains.org

Why We Need Trains 5-Amtrak Southwest Chief and the Journey to Philmont Scout Ranch

Amtrak's historic depot at Raton, NM was built by the Santa Fe Railroad.  Raton is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, successor to the Santa Fe Super Chief.  Amtrak travels on the rails of Santa Fe successor BNSF.
Troops of Boy Scouts ride Amtrak from across America to Raton where they disembark to head to Philmont Scout Ranch.  At Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts from across America are able to network, make new friends, and learn about our vast country as they are challenged by the camp's rugged terrain.
The journey to Philmont aboard Amtrak has become a tradition passed down by generations.  Troop leaders, themselves once scouts, once again make this trek aboard the Southwest Chief.  This journey aboard Amtrak affords those eager to learn a chance to see the vast landscapes America has to offer.  Communities along the way show that America truly is a land where we are all neighbors to each other.  This is why we need trains.

Why We Need Trains 4-Railroads, A Marvel of Modern Invention

Throughout its history, the railroad industry has been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. From railroading's beginnings, the invention of the flanged wheel and the locomotive made the efficient movement of freight and passengers possible.
These inventions led to the industrial development of the world we lived in.  They led to the development of our country.  Communities grew and cities blossomed along the path of the railroad.
Railroading led to the development of time zones.  Railroads spanned the continent.  Localized time conflicted with transportation in a world that was on the move.
Today, we see railroads innovating software and data systems for its new locomotives.  Improved signaling and control systems move our trains more safely in an era when it is necessary to move more and more freight more efficiently by rail for the sake of the environment we live in.
Yet we see in railroads the simplicity of its technology, the genius of its original invention, the flanged wheel and the locomotive, devices that allows thousands of tons of freight to negotiate our mountain passes safely and effectively.  Genius is the railroad, an invention that stands so effectively and elegantly through time.  This is why we need trains. 

Why We Need Trains Number 2- Understanding That Trains Carry the Freight We Need

Some of the first trains I saw were lumber trains, headed south from Oregon through my hometown of Davis, California.  I often watched these trains with my dad. 
As a boy, my dad built houses.  I remember visiting his job site.  There was always lumber.

As these trains headed through our town, I remember seeing the lumber stacked on the flat cars.  As the trains rolled through town, carload after carload of lumber passed by.  As a six year old, I quickly associated it with my dad and the houses he built.

This was the first connection I made to trains carrying the freight we needed.  As I watched the lumber rolling by, I imagined it heading to my dad's job.  I thought of the lumber being part of the houses my dad built.

As I made this connection, I knew that trains were bigger than myself.  I knew that trains helped my dad build his houses.  I knew that trains had helped build the house where I lived.  This is why we need trains.

Why We Need Trains Number 1- Railroading Holds Much Promise

I will begin my "Why We Need Trains" series with a simple story, my story and how it relates to others.  Trains inspired me to think big.  Trains inspired me to see America and its communities.  Trains inspired me to be creative, to solve problems and to work on large projects at a very early age.
Trains inspired me to work with those outside of my peer group.  I listened to the advice of my parents as to how to best draw trains and how to build upon my drawings.  I worked up the courage to give my drawings to train crews which built self-confidence in my work as I saw the joy on their faces.  Kind letters I received from many railroad presidents led to my becoming a railroad artist. 
I see a new generation filled with this joy for railroading.  Many whom I have met now work for the railroad.  Many more are destined to be engineers, conductors, civil engineers, software engineers and designers of tomorrow.  I am grateful for the promise the railroad industry has brought me, and, I am grateful for the promise it brings to so many more.  This is why we need trains.