Figure 1.-- An English reader reports, "My 11-year old nephew was always a railway child. His parents call him Hudson Brunel or H.B for short. He finds it humorous to be referred to by the names of two railway personalities. His uncle worked on the railway and his dad always took him on the train to his shop."

Railroads are no longer as glamerous as they once were. They continue, however, to play a major commercial role in moving freight. They are also important in pasenger service, although this varies from country to country. Some countie have developoed modern high speed trains. In today’s world many boys still find railway journeys exciting and adventurous--although not as many as was once the case. Many still have fun from playing with their model railways. An English reader reports, "My 11-year old nephew was always a railway child. His parents call him Hudson Brunel or H.B for short. He finds it humorous to be referred to by the names of two railway personalities. His uncle worked on the railway and his dad always took him on the train to his shop. While he played he was not far from the railway and he used to watch the trains go by. He sometimes waved to the railway driver and the passengers. They always waved back. So it came has no surprise to learn that H. B. is a model railway enthusiast. Not only has he a model railway but he also is a volunteer helper at a local railway preservation society near to his home. Every weekend he helps with the running of the trains. He has an enjoyable time with his fellow railway enthusiasts learning about the every day running of the trains. He is involved in helping workers to maintain the track and the rolling stock. In the summer he is a porter and escorts passengers to their seats on the train. The railway publicity leaflet shows H.B wearing a 1950 styled British Railway porters uniform. H. B is testimony that the magic and imagination begun so long ago in the 18th Century by George Stephen is still alive today."

Economic Importance

Railroads continue, however, to play a major commercial role in moving freight. They are also important in pasenger service, although this varies from country to country.

Highspeed Trains

Some countie have developoed modern high speed trains.

Glamour

Railroads are no longer as glamerous as they once were. In today’s world many boys still find railway journeys exciting and adventurous--although not as many as was once the case. Many still have fun from playing with their model railways. An English reader reports, "My 11-year old nephew was always a railway child. His parents call him Hudson Brunel or H.B for short. He finds it humorous to be referred to by the names of two railway personalities. His uncle worked on the railway and his dad always took him on the train to his shop. While he played he was not far from the railway and he used to watch the trains go by. He sometimes waved to the railway driver and the passengers. They always waved back. So it came has no surprise to learn that H. B. is a model railway enthusiast. Not only has he a model railway but he also is a volunteer helper at a local railway preservation society near to his home. Every weekend he helps with the running of the trains. He has an enjoyable time with his fellow railway enthusiasts learning about the every day running of the trains. He is involved in helping workers to maintain the track and the rolling stock. In the summer he is a porter and escorts passengers to their seats on the train. The railway publicity leaflet shows H.B wearing a 1950 styled British Railway porters uniform. H. B is testimony that the magic and imagination begun so long ago in the 18th Century by George Stephen is still alive today."

Created: June 17, 2003
Last updated: June 17, 2003