Train Month Part 2
Let's take a trip across the world like it's 1995!
This week I have for y’all five tapes from the year 1995, and each one is something special for all my readers who love trains! But before we get right into the tapes, I’d like to take a moment to highlight a post from all the way back in the spring of 2022:
High Speed Rail Travel
Hear the train whistle blow as you pull out of the station to begin your adventure!
As far as I can tell, this was the first time I’d ever posted train content here on this blog, and I was immediately surprised with how popular that post has become. Just like with the post I highlighted last week, this one has had an immense amout of traffic from all over the internet after being reposted to Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, as well as (according to the metrics I can see) some private train enthusiast Discord groups!
I wanted to give a huge thanks to everyone who is enjoying Train Month so far! This month I’m featuring some American steam engines, an even longer trip across Switzerland, and a quick jaunt through India. So sit back and enjoy the ride!
Strasburg and New Hampshire
America's Historic Steam Railroads
1995 | Runtime: 60 Minutes
Since their invention, railroads have captured the imagination of people of all ages and played a pivotal role in the industrial development of our world. Nowhere was this more true than in America. America's Historic Steam Railroads takes viewers to the most popular steam locomotive- powered, historic railroads that any family can visit and enjoy. Scenic beauty, history and powerful equipment all come together at America's Historic Steam Railroads. So climb aboard for fun and excitement for the whole family!
NEW HAMPSHIRE STEAM RAILROADS Although small in size, New Hampshire is big on railroads! The Mt. Washington Cog Railway was started in 1869 and remains one of the most awesome rides in the world. Steam powered cog locomotives push passenger cars to the very top of Mt. Washington, the highest spot in the Northeast. South of Mt. Washington is the wonderful White Mountain Central Railroad featuring restored steam logging locomotives and east is the Conway Scenic Railroad with its magnificent station, working turntable and fabulous rolling stock. No other state has more steam trains per square mile than the Granite State.
STRASBURG RAILROAD Open in 1832 the Strasburg Railroad is America's oldest continually operating shortline railroad. Its passengers ride through the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Amish country of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Strasburg Railroad maintains one of the most outstanding collections of operating steam locomotives anywhere in the world and the passenger coaches are painstakingly maintained to give visitors a true turn-of-the-century railroad experience.
Cumbres & Toltec and Roaring Camp & Big Tree
America's Historic Steam Railroads
1995 | Runtime: 60 Minutes
CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD From desert valley to rocky mountain passes the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a 64 mile journey of unparalleled beauty and magnificent steam action! It is the longest and highest narrow gauge steam railroad in America. Originally trackage of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, the line is now preserved as the finest remaining example of the vast network which connected commercial outposts in the Rocky Mountain region and is now a Registered National Historic Site.
ROARING CAMP & BIG TREES RAILROAD Located in the beautiful Redwood forests of Felton in California's Santa Cruz County, the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad takes passengers back to the historic logging days when great steam locomotives carried giant redwood logs from forest to saw mill. The railroad climbs the steepest narrow-gauge grade in North America as it carries passengers through majestic groves of Coastal Redwoods, around tight turns and on to the top of Bear Mountain where passengers enjoy spectacular groves of Redwoods.
The New Glacier Express: Part 1
By Swiss Rail Journeys
1995 | Runtime: 50 Minutes
Join us on the world-famous Glacier Express for the journey of a lifetime along the backbone of the Swiss Alps. From Zermatt, dominated by the distinctive peak of the Matterhorn, to the inter- national resort of St. Moritz, experience the breathtaking Alpine scenery and marvels of Swiss engineering that combine for an unforgettable excursion. Some of the highlights and diversions along the way include:
• A tour of the Stockalper palace, once the grandest private residence in all of Switzerland.
• A visit to the spectacular Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe.
• A magical winter run through fresh, deep snow near the summit of the line.
• A thrilling river rafting expedition down the "Swiss Grand Canyon" at llanz.
• A close-up look at the sports and leisure activities that make St. Moritz a world-famous tourist destination.
The New Glacier Express: Part 2
By Swiss Rail Journeys
1995 | Runtime: 50 Minutes
India: World's Greatest Train Ride Videos
1995 | Runtime: 50 Minutes
"The World's Greatest Train Ride" video series takes you on the train adventure of a lifetime! Filled with all the breathtaking excitement of authentic train travel, this exhilarating journey through India takes you on a complete rail tour. Your train adventure begins in the capital city of Delhi, as you set out on a fantastic journey across the mystical and awe-inspiring landscape of India. You'll see for yourself the truly amazing Taj Mahal, made of gleaming white marble and covered with semi-precious gems. You'll travel aboard the actual Orient Express and visit 7 prestigious cities in 7 remarkable days, crossing the legendary River Ganges, India's most sanctified holy place. Along the way, you'll see the many faces of India's teeming masses, experience first-hand the magical aura of the Indian subcontinent and watch as its beautiful places and timeless wonders come alive. "The World's Greatest Train Ride" video to India features extraordinary scenic beauty, historical landmarks and many, many memorable points of interest around every bend. So... all aboard!
Well, that’s it for this week! I hope you enjoyed the second part of TRAIN MONTH! If you’re looking for more, please check out my page on Archive.org for the full list of digitized media. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message right here or drop a comment below. If you haven’t already, please check out the one of my previous posts ⬇️, or all of my other previous posts here. Thanks so much for checking out this week’s edition of Diptych!
See you soon!
—Forrest
Welcome to Train Month!
Well, it’s June, and I’ve got a surprise for all my railfans! As I mentioned back in March, I’ve been collecting train media for well over a year now, and it’s FINALLY time to share what I’ve found. I’ve got tapes from yard sales, a DVD from my local Goodwill, box sets from a library free bin, and maybe even an LP from a record shop! I know many of you have been waiting a long time for this, so ALL month I’ll be bringing you the best train content I could find. And uh… I’ve found a lot!
Train Month Rocks Train Month Rolls!
This did not disappoint.