I started as a rail nut when I was just a little tike. Born north of Boston, MA I lived only a block from the commuter rail tracks and would run down to the end of the block of my street to catch a glimpse of the grade crossing as a train went by. Railroads have always had a connection to my family. My great uncle worked for a company that literally sold "nuts & bolts" to the Burlington Northern. Although my family had since moved to Connecticut, each visit out here produced trips to Northtown yard and train watching. My other great uncle retired from the Frisco lines, and worked at the St. Louis transportation museum after retirement.

Growing up on the east coast produced plenty of commuter traffic on Metro North from New York-New Haven and my love for freight traffic was only fulfilled on the rare Conrail ballast trains on the stretch.

After moving here in 7th grade, and living here since, I've been an "on and off" railfan. I remember the BN-ATSF merger, and seeing those first UP and CP units in town. Like many railfans, I also have had conversations with various girlfriends over time that start with the question: "You want to go WATCH trains?"

Those that know me know my rekindled interest in railfanning has stemmed from ATCS monitoring. I was brought aware of the technology during a brief visit to the Rochelle railroad park in Illinois. It is quite a fascinating way to railfan, as you see what is happening from a dispatcher's point of view. I look forward to hearing all your input on the subject and I'll see you trackside!