choochooloco
Cap Coincidence
When we built our home in 2007, we decided to have the bonus room above the garage finished. While it added cost to the bottom line, it made sense to finish the room while the rest of house was in disarray.
Over the years, we had allowed this room to become a catch-all for anything and everything. Most of the clutter was admittedly mine and were largely railroad related items. The time had come to purge.
While combing through this mess, it became obvious that I have too many ball caps. Every time the railroad would hand out a cap, I would place it in an empty printer paper box. When that box was filled, I would grab another box.
Believe it or not, there were 10 boxes, each containing between 15-20 caps. A few were purchased, some were from Conrail,, but the vast majority were given by NS. What to do with so many lids?
Around a month ago, I had an epiphany: give them away. A memory from decades ago inspired me to surprise unsuspecting fans with a gift, delivered in a unique fashion.
Some time in the 70s, my dad took me down to Toledo's Central Union Terminal to see a special train. On this day, the UA Turbotrain was stopping in Toledo while touring the country on public relations tour.
As it glided into the station on track two, the engine crew threw candy out of the window. It made such an impact on me that the imagery is vivid to this day!
Based on this memory, a plan was conceived. Before leaving Toledo. I stuff one hat into my grip. On the locomotive, I place it in a bag with an 8oz water bottle for weight. I also include a personal note to the unsuspecting recipient, centering around enjoying their day watching trains and to be safe when near the tracks.
When I come upon a younger fan, preferably in the company of mom or dad, I drop the cap down from the cab at a safe location after passing them. It is fun to see the reaction on someone's face as you drop off a surprise while blowing the horn and waving.
So far, three caps have been delivered and hopefully found appreciative homes. Cap number four has been in my grip for 2 round trips. A few days of lousy weather has affected the number of people track side, preventing a cap donation.
With clouds and rain prevailing again, I report for duty and see that my leader for the trip is the Norfolk Southern Heritage unit. Like the last couple of trips, fan turnout is minimal due to Mother Nature's lack of cooperation.
Upon arrival in Chicago, the clouds started to part and the sun came out. While going through my grip to change into my safety sunglasses, cap #4 falls out of its bag.
So where is the coincidence? I randomly choose caps out of the box to give away through no rhyme or reason. Cap number four just happens to be in the Norfolk Southern heritage colors. It was given to me for safely stopping on banner efficiency check several years ago.
The Philosopher Aristotle believed all things happen for a reason. Could it be that the string of lousy weather took place so that I could take this photo? Maybe.
As an aside, the cap was dropped to a young fan in the Chesterton the following day. I hope he wears it proudly!
Cap Coincidence
When we built our home in 2007, we decided to have the bonus room above the garage finished. While it added cost to the bottom line, it made sense to finish the room while the rest of house was in disarray.
Over the years, we had allowed this room to become a catch-all for anything and everything. Most of the clutter was admittedly mine and were largely railroad related items. The time had come to purge.
While combing through this mess, it became obvious that I have too many ball caps. Every time the railroad would hand out a cap, I would place it in an empty printer paper box. When that box was filled, I would grab another box.
Believe it or not, there were 10 boxes, each containing between 15-20 caps. A few were purchased, some were from Conrail,, but the vast majority were given by NS. What to do with so many lids?
Around a month ago, I had an epiphany: give them away. A memory from decades ago inspired me to surprise unsuspecting fans with a gift, delivered in a unique fashion.
Some time in the 70s, my dad took me down to Toledo's Central Union Terminal to see a special train. On this day, the UA Turbotrain was stopping in Toledo while touring the country on public relations tour.
As it glided into the station on track two, the engine crew threw candy out of the window. It made such an impact on me that the imagery is vivid to this day!
Based on this memory, a plan was conceived. Before leaving Toledo. I stuff one hat into my grip. On the locomotive, I place it in a bag with an 8oz water bottle for weight. I also include a personal note to the unsuspecting recipient, centering around enjoying their day watching trains and to be safe when near the tracks.
When I come upon a younger fan, preferably in the company of mom or dad, I drop the cap down from the cab at a safe location after passing them. It is fun to see the reaction on someone's face as you drop off a surprise while blowing the horn and waving.
So far, three caps have been delivered and hopefully found appreciative homes. Cap number four has been in my grip for 2 round trips. A few days of lousy weather has affected the number of people track side, preventing a cap donation.
With clouds and rain prevailing again, I report for duty and see that my leader for the trip is the Norfolk Southern Heritage unit. Like the last couple of trips, fan turnout is minimal due to Mother Nature's lack of cooperation.
Upon arrival in Chicago, the clouds started to part and the sun came out. While going through my grip to change into my safety sunglasses, cap #4 falls out of its bag.
So where is the coincidence? I randomly choose caps out of the box to give away through no rhyme or reason. Cap number four just happens to be in the Norfolk Southern heritage colors. It was given to me for safely stopping on banner efficiency check several years ago.
The Philosopher Aristotle believed all things happen for a reason. Could it be that the string of lousy weather took place so that I could take this photo? Maybe.
As an aside, the cap was dropped to a young fan in the Chesterton the following day. I hope he wears it proudly!