James and Steven are two brothers, who have always shared an interest in railroading. They grew up in southern New Hampshire, close to a rail line that saw regular, but little, freight traffic. Visiting their grandparents, on Long Island, allowed them to ride the Long Island Railroad, which sees an endless stream of passenger trains. Being close to the big trains, and playing with the wooden Thomas the Tank Engine trains and their father's O scale collection created an interest in trains and model railroading, and in high school, both brothers began volunteering at the Seashore Trolley Museum, in Maine. After high school, their lives took them on adventures farther from home.
In 2010, Steven and James decided to create a website about their interest in trains, not expecting much to come of it. The blog has been the primary focus of their efforts, in their free time.
In 2010, Steven and James decided to create a website about their interest in trains, not expecting much to come of it. The blog has been the primary focus of their efforts, in their free time.
About James
After high school, James moved to Utah for college. During this time, he discovered the "big railroads," and began to be interested in the high density freight lines of the west. The BNSF Railway was a particular favorite, despite the fact that almost all the trains near school belonged to the Union Pacific. During this time, James also took Amtrak to and from school regularly, giving him days at a time on Amtrak trains, riding between the Rocky Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. This is where the interest in Class I operations and passenger operations developed. James today models the New York Cross Harbor Railway operations in Brooklyn.
In addition to modern freight railroading, James is also fascinated with passenger trains. He thinks there are nowhere near enough passenger trains running in the United States. Because of this, he models quite a fleet of passenger trains. Amtrak is the only major passenger carrier James has ever known, so that is the primary carrier modeled. Originally, James only planned to model only Amtrak, however he ended up adding to the passenger fleet when he bought an Empire Builder car to be used as a private car on some of his Amtrak trains. He liked that one car so much, he ended up buying the whole train! He has worked that into the operations as well though, and it is operated as a BNSF passenger train, in its original Great Northern colors. At the moment, James's personal model railroad is still under construction, but he is actively involved in a local model railroad club.
In 2011 James took a Conductor position with BNSF Railway, based in Glendive, MT. He worked for BNSF for about two years as a Conductor and Engineer. In the spring of 2013, James accepted a Brakeman position with the Alaska Railroad and relocated to Alaska.
Besides railroads, James also enjoys a good bike ride or a hike. He also spends a bit of time flying, and loves to travel whenever the opportunity presents itself. A particular favorite is to travel by train or ship, as it allows for days of relaxation and a good book. In addition, James enjoys writing, which is part of what lead to the creation of this blog and website.
James and his wife, Lindsey, currently reside in Alaska.
About Steven
After high school, Steven stayed closer to home. He moved only a short distance north, and even stayed near the same railroad line. He attended a community college, in New Hampshire, for a degree in electricity. At home the rail line sees little freight traffic, but farther north there are only scenic trains running near the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire. Being around the little used branch lines of New Hampshire, Steven developed an interest in the small New England short lines. He enjoys the thrill of not knowing when a train is coming unless you are listening to a scanner or hear a whistle in the distance. This makes railfanning in one place hard, but the little used branches have slow speed limits so it is easy to chase a train along its route and catch it in several locations.
Steven's fictional model railroad, the Merrimack & Souhegan Railroad, was formed around three branch lines in southern New Hampshire which, in real life, are run by Pan Am Railways. The model railroad itself is quite small, because Steven has been living at home and does not have the space for a larger layout, but there are big plans for a future model of the Merrimack & Souhegan.
While living in New Hampshire's lakes region, Steven built a second model railroad, which he named the Lakes Region Model Railroad. This layout is a model of Laconia, NH, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It models the Boston & Maine Railroad, a fallen flag. However, after the school year ended, the model had to come back home and it is currently in storage waiting for the space to be set up again.
Besides railroading, Steven enjoys photography and hiking. He carries a camera everywhere he goes, and can often be seen with it in the White Mountains or along the railroad's right-of-way.
Steven currently lives in northern Utah, where he is serving as a volunteer missionary. He is expected to return home in June 2014.
Last Updated 23 June 2012
