I always loved toy trains. When I made my list for Santa I always asked for one. I didn’t get it ever. Later as a teen, I asked my father to get me one for Christmas. He refused explaining I was a girl. Eventually I moved out and married. The first Christmas I bought myself a train. I have been collecting them on and off ever since.
The History Channel has great non-fiction DVD’s. Recently I got to watch its “Extreme Trains“. I enjoyed seeing monster railroad trains and engines do their job. I want to highlight two of them right now then let you find out about the others for yourself.
Pennsylvania’s Norfolk Southern RR rides a 105 car mile long train. If that isn’t enough those cars move 16,000 tons of coal across the Alleghanys, through Johnstown, then on to its power plant destination. Wow! See helper locomotives, 20% steep grades, full throttle 10 MPH, a dangerous horseshoe curve 1,800 feet across and a half mile long as this extreme train travels the rails.
B & S’s 7,000 foot freight train travels from the Port of Los Angeles to Fort Worth. Its 250 cars of double stacked containers carry 29,000 tons of cargo, mostly high end electronics, from customs to the international hub in 48 hours. Is this speeding? It navigates special bridges, traveling under a city knows for its earthquakes, getting to the San Bernardino Pass, the Cajon Pass Tunnel and Summit, the Mojave Desert, Barstow Maintenance, and Able Canyon, on the way to Alliance. Hazards include scorching temperature, flash flooding, and landslides.
Other trains featured include a high speed train, an ice cold express, a steam train, an overnight train, and a transcontinental one. FYI: This old lady loved seeing and learning about them all.
Extreme Trains Complete Season One DVD is available to purchase from the History shop and is currently on sale for $15.98.
WIN IT!
The winner of this giveaway will receive Extreme Trains Complete Season One on DVD.
HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)
To enter leave a comment on this post telling me if you’ve ever ridden a train, where you rode it and what you thought.
BONUS ENTRIES
1 - Subscribe to my RSS feed.
1 - Follow me on Twitter AND leave your Twitter name here.
1 - Fave this blog at Technorati AND leave your Technorati name here.
1 - Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 - Place my button on your blog.
Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.
THE SMALL PRINT.
US addresses only please. This contest will end on Friday 07/17/09 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I road a train once from the UK to France. That was an experience! My son is obsessed with trains & would looooooove this! Thanks for the chance to win
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I am subscribed to your feed!
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Alexandra,
I love your name–I really wanted to name my dauter that but my own mother hated the name (it was her mother-in-law’s).
Pat.
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Alexandra,
In America so few have ever rided on a train. Subway/metro probably.
Pat.
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I have not riden on a train before
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
subsriber
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I rode a train from Iowa to California when I was 2 but I don’t remember anything about it. Since then I’ve ridden 2 nostalgic steam trains, the one at Boone, IA and the one at North Freedom, WI. They were both a lot of fun. I’d love to take the dinner train at Boone some time.
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
We rode a train in colorado up to pikes peak. It was fun and would like to take my kids someday.
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
email subscriber
on Jul 11th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
I have ridden on an Antrak, and it was great. We just relaxed until we got to our destination.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 12:01 am
I’ve ridden a train in the Cuyahoga River Valley, through a scenic area of Ohio, passing a tranquil pond, several lovely deer, many small waterfalls, with the hint of autumn in the air…beautiful and serene.
….Loved the train, the conductor was charming, the ride was leisurely and fun.
The giveaway “Extreme Trains” would be something I could enjoy with my family… I would be delighted to visit these wonderful trains on DVD! Sounds like a dream to watch and discover…..! A train whistle souvenir is a favorite keepsake of mine!
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 12:09 am
I had a window seat on a train trip in the Cuyahoga River Valley, in a scenic area of Ohio, viewing a tranquil pond, several lovely deer, small waterfalls , with a hint of autumn in the air…
It was a fun and leisurely ride, the conductor was charming, the pace was relaxing!
Trains are delightful, I would love to watch this giveaway DVD “Extreme Trains” with my family, to inspire us as we ride the rails of our imaginations!
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Elsie,
Last train ride I took was on the Strassburg Rasiailroad in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. It was lovely but too. too short.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Elsie,
Your words bring me on board.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Kelly,
Going cross country I have seen a lot of trains–many freight. I wish I had taken the one I planned years ago before the kids grew up. Maybe someday.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Andrea,
Thanks for the visit.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Julie,
Thanks fvor stopping by.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Julie,
You should at least once if only to know.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I have never been on a train before but I have always wanted to at least once. I hope I will have the chance sometime in the future. That would be really fun. Thank you!
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I’m a subscriber.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I follow on Twitter
kewpiedoll04
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I have ridden a train a few times. The first time was when I was quite young, early elementary age. We had AMTRAK stations, and we took a short ride as a field trip. I enjoyed it with all of the enthusiasm of youth. The refreshment car was fun =) as I remember.I was able to accompany my siblings on similar field trips, so I rode this section of track at least three times when I was young.
When I was in Jr High, my family took a long road trip, and part of the trip included a train ride from Durango to Silverton, CO. The train ride lasted a little over an hour and it was through beautiful, mountainous terrain. On the ride to Silverton, we rode in an open air car, enjoying the scenery. When we arrived we stayed a couple hours, exploring the historically preserved mining town. On the way home we rode in an enclosed car and rested.
We also had a wonderful Rail Road museum where we could see full size train cars, engines, etc, as well as models. We were able to learn a lot about the history of train travel by exploring this museum.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Feed subscriber via email
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I’ve never ridden a train. My little boy adores trains though, so we we really should take a train ride sometime. My little guy likes to watch the trains go by here in town. He pretends they are characters from Thomas stories, and speculates about what they might be carrying.
iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I’m a subscriber.
iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
In the US I have only taken the train to Conn. and NYC from DC. Not very impressive…
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Denise,
Traveling gthe sougthwest I saw a lot of track and freight cars. Made me decide I want to take a train trip myself. Never too late.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Lisa,
Welcome.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Lisa,
There is a Thomas Train show that travels.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Christine,
Glad you stopped by.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Christine,
You sound like you live in the southwest where the rail still rides.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Judy,
Hope you like the upcoming reviews.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Judy,
Good luck again.
Pat.
on Jul 12th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Judy,
I can’t believe how many people nev er rode one anytime and any place.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:11 am
I rode a small scale train in a park
but haven’t been on a real train trip and would love to !
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:12 am
subscribe
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:12 am
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valerie2350
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:12 am
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valerie2350
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:14 am
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on Jul 13th, 2009 at 2:14 am
http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/07/hereandthere-extreme-trains-giveaway.html
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Wow. I’ve never ridden a train but have wanted to my whole life! My hubby and I are planning a train trip eventually. He is obsessed with trains.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Valerie,
Love that name strong and valiant.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Valerie,
Glad you are visiting.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Valerie,
Hope you like the site.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Valerie,
You keep busy I see.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Valerie,
Thank you.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Valerie,
I did too with my booys outside Griffith Park. One of the best memories.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Sounds neat! I have never ridden a train, but I’d love to. It looks fun and kind of romantic in an adventurous sort of way.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I have never been on a train, but I really want to — especially if I could take my son who loves trains!
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I follow you on twitter — doodlebug40.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
i used to ride the train to and from college occasionally–convenient and inexpensive–and then in the UK as well. VERY convenient, relatively cheap.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I’ve ridden a train one time, Pat. From Portland, Oregon to Missoula, Montana and back when I was a teenager (won’t say how long ago!)
Was a great trip and very relaxing and of course better than being cramped in a Greyhound bus!
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Email subscriber!
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Technorati Fave!
Tech name: rubymoon
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Ally,
Thank you.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Ally,
Keeping busy I see.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Ally,
I traveled from Newark, New Jersey to Miami, Florida via train back in the 50’s. I gtraveled by bus from New York City to Orlando, Florida back in the 70’s. The train was the better trip.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Marie,
Welcome.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Marie,
I think I became hooked on the romance of them when I read books like the Orient Express.
Pat.
on Jul 13th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Melissa,
It is–especially the New York subway nowadays. Only kidding!
Pat.
on Jul 14th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I recently went to Scotland on my honeymoon and we rode the train from Glasgow to Bathgate to see The Highland Games! Unfortunately it wasn’t a real fancy or classic train (like the picture on the dvd)… but it was enjoyable all the same for being my first train ride!!
on Jul 14th, 2009 at 11:06 am
i’ve ridden an amtrak train to new york and then on to canada. it was a nice, though long, experience. i especially like the food car!
on Jul 14th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Sandra,
I wish I had taken the trip I planned with my boys when they were younger.
Pat.
on Jul 14th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Devon,
But I bet its memory is priceless.
Pat.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I wrote an amtrak train from NC to GA… it was quite the experience. I think I prefer flying, but the train was very roomy.
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Technorati favorite, username oheeyore
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Amanda,
A big hello.
Pat.
on Jul 15th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Amanda,
I know we need security but hate how it has lengthened everything timewise.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 12:20 am
I have taken a train from Orange County to San Diego to go to the zoo - it was so fun!
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 12:20 am
I follow on twitter - andthencrafts
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Darcy,
Thanks.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Darcy,
Are you a Californian? I took the train from LA to San Diego last year to see my son sail in to port. I also took the local one around he town.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I subscribe via my email - thanks.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I have your button on my left sidebar - thanks.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I don’t think that I’ve ever been on a train - but I would love to take a long distance trip on one!
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Neas,
Trains are popular outside the East.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Neas,
You keep busy.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Neas,
Good luck.
Pat.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I have ridden lots of trains, both in Europe and the US. It’s a fun way to travel- a little slow sometimes, but a good way to get to know people and see some different scenery.
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I’ve written trains quite a bit. When I lived in DC (back when I was single & no kids right after college), I would ride the Amtrak from Wash., DC back up to Massachusetts to visit family & friends. Nice, fairly quick, convenient. But that was years ago. My most recent train experience was riding on “Thomas the Train” with my son a few years back…now THAT was fun! LOL!
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I subscribe! (And please pardon the horrible typo in my first post. I of course meant “I’ve ridden trains” instead of “written” them! LOL!)
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I follow on twitter! (amweeks)
on Jul 16th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
You’re a technorati fave! (amweeks)
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Annmarie,
Hi.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Annmarie,
Glad to have you along.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Annmarie,
Both are possible–one mofre legal.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Annmarie,
I was just mentioning that train to my daughter. Her son loves Thomas.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:21 am
Carrie,
I saw so so many trains gooing west–mostly freight though.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Yes, I have ridden on a train from North Platte, Ne. to Denver, Co. I loved it. My only train ride back in 1971.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Mary,
Trains are stiil huge in the west.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I have only ridden on small trains.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
subscribed to your feed.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Follow on twitter. (donnak4)
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Donna,
Hi.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Donna,
Glaad you stopped by.
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Donna,
Meaning short runs or few cars?
Pat.
on Jul 17th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I put your button on my blog.
http://donna444444.blogspot.com/
I have only been on very short runs.