Train (v)  teach through a series of instructions and repetition over a period of time

Train (n)  a long piece of fabric trailing behind a formal dress

Train (n)  a series of railroad cars moved as a unit by a locomotive

How many of us have attempted to train a pet?  I think it has to be the toughest task – the repetition and discipline of consistency.  I struggled more with the training of my dogs than with my offspring!  Why is that, I wonder?  Maybe we’re easily manipulated by big puppy eyes or the paw that appears in our lap.  What about training for physical health or a race?  Again, it draws on discipline to do the work.  Stick to the grind and results happen.  We also train our eyes and minds to focus on good things, either faith or other factors key to character development.

Trains on formal wear are not common in our daily fashion choices.  Unless you frequent the red carpet of the glitz and glam world, trains may only come into your life when you get married or on occasions calling for costume wear.  Wedding dress trains can be stunning with intricate details of lace and beading.  Trains first emerged in medieval times to indicate wealth and high society.  Obviously, mobility was not the focus of stylists with fabric weight and elaborate designs!

Flip the switch and the word train becomes a vehicle!  Who doesn’t love a good train racing alongside the road?  Have you ever felt like you’re in the movies trying to beat the locomotive to the next crossing?  Trains are intriguing with such a variety networked throughout the world.  Passenger trains, alone, vary in so many ways.  From the sleek, insanely fast bullet train to the more leisurely commuter and cross-country tour trains to light rail.  I currently reside in an area that is developing the light rail system to connect commuters from the suburbs to the big cities.  It is a painfully slow process but shows promise to minimize some of our current traffic issues.

Have you ever heard, if you want to experience scenic USA, travel by rail?  There is plenty of time to take in the panorama.  I have enjoyed various trains and the most common issue seems to be keeping on schedule. My longest excursion was many years ago when a 17-hour trip morphed into 24 hours due to a series of mechanical and staffing issues.  We were stuck at Mt. Shasta for several hours.  We had more than enough time to soak in the scenery!  Riding a train is thoroughly enjoyable for a three-hour excursion, but I doubt that I will venture out again on anything much longer.

I am enamored by model trains and their miniature worlds. If you follow along, I alluded to my brother’s train set in a previous post, Slot Cars.  I love visiting gardens that have established model trains with mini detailed sceneries.  Tiny worlds come to life with the painstaking efforts of dedicated hobbyists.  One of my favorites is at the Chicago Botanic Garden.  There are 19 trains running through the landmarks of America.  The recognizable roadside attractions are intricately set among bridges and gardens.  It is mesmerizing to watch the trains chugging along high and low!

Don’t trip over your train while you train for the race, while chasing the train!

Interested in the Chicago Botanic Garden trains? Visit here!