Boy does this thread bring back memories on two levels: railroad and aviation.

My Grandfather was senior engineer on the Santa Fe Los Angeles Division when I was growing up. I have memories, somewhat vague, of going to the Santa Fe roundhouse as a kid in the 1950's and watching him get a steam locomotive ready for his shift. It was night and it was spooky for a young boy.

Later memories include catching the San Diegan at Los Nietos Station with my Cub Scout troop for a trip to San Clemente for a camping trip. At the next station the conductor came back to our car and announced, somewhat loudly, that my grandfather wanted me to finish the trip with him in the cab (probably and E or F unit.) I'll never forget the thrill. Later, on his retirement run to San Diego, the whole family rode round trip in the division superintendents official car. Do they even have those things anymore?

And I'll always remember going to an empty lot somewhere between Mission Tower and Terminal Tower, probably at the end of S. Roundout St., and watching trains entering and leaving LAUPT. Steam, diesel, and of course, SP's fabulous cab-forward ACs. What a time.

Later I had the privilege, as an Air Traffic Controller, of working PSA and Air California flights into and out of the Southern California. What a great bunch of pilots and what a great time also.

Sorry for rambling on but as I get older I spent more time thinking of times past. I hope you remember your past as fondly as I do.

Don