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Years ago I worked in the Engineering Department of Harmon Electronics (SAB Harmon Industries). One of the many projects I was involved with was a Hot Wheel Detector and The Talker. The talker was a digital voice that was sent by radio to “talk” to the operator(s) as to the mechanical conditions of the train. A series of very odd and unfortunate events left me stranded in Oregon. Of course it was snowing, I wasn’t properly dressed for winter conditions, and to top it off, I was in a hurry to get to Portland for a very important appointment. To make matters worse my wallet was somewhere in Nevada. Fortunately I had about $80.00 in my pocket. Unfortunately, that had to get me to Portland, keep me alive for the day or two that I would be there and get back to Nevada. I concluded it was best to deal with one problem at a time. My priorities were as follows… I had to get out of the weather and I had to get to Portland to make my appointment that evening. Since that was nearly impossible, I didn’t concern myself with the rest. Nearby was somewhat of a shelter for a train stop. It was open on the sides similar to a small carport. Better than open sky, and there was a bulletin board that kept the wind to a minimum. As I contemplated freezing to death, I stood next to this board and started reading the train schedule. Then the imaginary light bulb appeared over my head and I entertained the idea of riding the train to Portland. It couldn’t possible cost that much and chances were excellent that I would make my appointment. It seemed like only minutes that The Coast Starlight pulled in. Knowing this was about my only chance for survival, I climbed aboard. Ironic that I could design and build stuff for trains yet I had never been on one. For that matter I never even thought of it before. We started to move and I was greeted by the conductor who told me the fare to Portland was nearly every dime I had on me. Not the best news but I was warm and on my way. I quietly paid him. He had absolutely no clue how much trouble I was in. Later we ran into each other again. We talked briefly and I told him that this was my first train ride. Right about then the Talker came over his radio. I laughed (somewhat in shock) and told him that I was one of the handful of guys that designed it. He asked a million questions about it but seem to know the answers before I told him. Perhaps it was a test of some sort. Nice talk but he had to get back to work and away he went. I got to thinking of years past, and it took my mind off of my demise. It was about an hour later when the conductor came to me again and asked me to follow him. We ended up in a small area out of sight from everyone where he handed me back my fare! He then thanked me for the work I had done and that the least they could do is give me my first ride for free. Apparently there was a rather important event where our design had avoided a disaster. He didn’t go into detail. I about fell over in shock. Then I told him how much trouble I was in and the events that put me there. Several hours later I was in Portland. I made my appointment and made it home too. This happened many years ago but is the first time I have ever told my story. I will never forget my first train ride.
MPALMER Member # 125
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Interesting story. Glad it all worked out in the end.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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Wow, what a great story! I've listened to your "talkers" (which we train riders know as "detectors") on a scanner when I've traveled, or been out in the wild photographing trains.
And given your circumstances, it sounds like The Higher Power was looking out for you.
I like your screen name. I hope you will get to ride a few more trains and become a regular here.
[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 08-12-2004).]
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