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The train is made up of four cars - one passenger coach,
a baggage car converted to a meal service car, and two open-air coaches.
It's a beautiful, sunny day, and we opt for the open coaches.
The train pulls away from the boarding area, heading toward Sacramento.
Thirty yards out of the station, the train suddenly halts. A mother
and her son have barely missed the train. The conductor, spotting
them with a smile, stops the train. They run to catch up and jump
aboard. It's a friendly gesture everyone seems to appreciate, especially
the mother. (Later we learn this is the first time aboard a train
for the boy - and outing he had planned for some time).
The train starts again, only to stop again a short distance down the
track. This time, a brake is stuck on one of the cars. The
crew gathers around the wheel, fixes the situation, and we begin moving
once more. |
