Welp, thought it was time for a change of theme. I've gone from Code Geass/Sweeney Todd to...trains.

More specifically the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. I've always loved steam locomotives of all kinds, even before I was two years old. That love remained with me, but it has recently undergone a resurgence of sorts within me, and it's back, stronger than ever. I remembered why I loved these timeless equipment pieces. They are, without any doubt, the only pieces of machinery that man has created that truly seem alive. One cannot understand this unless they have been around a fully functioning steam locomotive. The rhythmic thumping of the steam compressors sounds like for all the world a beating heart, and the steady chuffing of the boiler is easily passable for breathing. They also cannot be simply turned on. No, steam locomotives, like humans, have to be given some coaxing and encouragement before they get ready to work. Each one seems to have it's own 'preferences' even. For instance, the 488 of the C&TS can be 'woken up' best with some Colorado coal. If she's (yes, she) given any other kind, she gives a lukewarm performance. All five of the other locomotives on the railroad do not have this trait. It is things like these that make steam locomotives so fascinating to just about anyone. I've seen people who never really cared for trains as a whole stop and stare as a steam engine thundered its way across the tracks. They possess an allure that diesel engines cannot even dream of obtaining. People even find the smell that they put out favorable. And there is, of course...the whistle. It is every male's dream to blow one of these at least once before they die. Yes, you want to do it too. Don't deny it. Anyways...in short, I adore these things. :P