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rabbitcruiser · 24 days

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National Train Day

Go out and take a ride on a train, or watch them go by from a comfortable vantage point, whether fast, sleek commuter trains or large, loud steam engine transporters.

They cross thousands of miles across the countryside all over the world, transporting goods and passengers to places far-flung, and bringing back the same to their point of origin.

Two gleaming lines of silver lay their path as they move through cities and forests, mountains, and plains to bring everything to those who need it, whether it’s cargo or people. Of course, we’re talking about trains, those powerful machines that inspired so much of history, and have done amazing things for economies and industry all over the world.

National Train Day commemorates these beautiful machines and the role they play in our lives.

History of National Train Day

The history of National Train Day is the history of trains, and that history goes back farther than you might suspect. Railroads were actually a progression from wagonways, which were essentially railroads powered by horses, and have a history going back over 2000 years.

The first example of what we might call a “train track” emerged near Corinth in Ancient Greece in around 600 BC. Men and animals would pull boats along grooves in limestone across a five-mile course to their destination in the sea. The Romans did something similar in Roman Egypt.

The reason wagonways (and of course railways) came into existence was one of pure practicality: you could transport larger loads over a greater distance with prepared paths!

The first modern ‘ways’ weren’t even created with metal rails, they were instead created with wooden rails, and in the distance path even cut-stone tracks. By being carefully prepared, you could increase the amount a single horse could haul from one ton to nearly 13 tons! That’s a considerable improvement in cargo capacity and a massive boon to those who have to move a lot of it a good distance.

Of course, with wooden rails, they had to be often replaced, and so it became common practice to cover them with a thin metal plate to help the wood last.

The industrial revolution changed all that, and metal rails became more prominent. Around 1750, industry began producing dramatically more iron than at any point in the past. New techniques made possible by the modern science of metallurgy and engineering created the conditions for an output explosion.

With increased supply, the price of tracks began to fall. It suddenly became feasible to lay more of them, replacing the problem-stricken wooden versions that tended to break often.

There was still a problem, though: some consignments had a nasty habit of veering off the rails – literally! In response, an industrial innovator and colliery manager called John Curr saw that the problem was flat wheels. He realized that you needed some way to keep the wagon on the line. His idea was to create an L-shaped profile to the wheel on the inside that would prevent it from slipping off the track.

Of course, none of this early development mentions steam-powered locomotives – the thing that people think about first when they talk about trains. The actual steam engine only emerged in 1769 following James Watt’s proof-of-concept. But even he didn’t see the potential. He wanted to use steam to power wheels in factories, not necessarily trains.

It took more than thirty years for the first fully functional steam locomotive to appear in 1804 under the direction of Richard Trevithick. Trevithick, however, didn’t manage to commercialize the idea. While he built plenty of demonstrations, he didn’t have the means to put it to good use. Thus, the first commercial train journeys only began in 1812, and on a tiny scale.

But, of course, we all know what happened next: trains took over the world. They gave birth to our modern, productive civilization and transformed the life of the average person forever.

Because trains played a big part in our collective history, it was only a matter of time before someone, somewhere developed the idea of hosting a “train day.” An event like this would be a chance for everyone in the world who has benefited from locomotives to celebrate their valuable role, choo-chooing humanity into the future.

In 2008, Amtrak established National Train Day to help celebrate the history of the locomotive. The idea was to engage the general public more on the subject of trains and their history in the development of the modern world. National Train Day was a homage to the efforts of our ancestors in building out the rail network. It focuses, particularly on the transcontinental railway. During its heyday, National Train Day was a major event. While Amtrak was the clear lead, museums and other institutions related to trains all took part. Even charities got involved, seeing it as an excellent opportunity to fundraise.

Amtrak decided to host events every year, but, unfortunately, got into financial trouble. The firm closed its official National Train Day in 2015. That, however, wasn’t the end of the matter. Enthusiasts loved it so much, they carried on celebrating the occasion in the years that followed.

How to celebrate National Train Day

The best way to celebrate National Train Day is to go out and take a ride on a train! It doesn’t matter where it’s going, riding a train can be a fantastic and relaxing experience.

Some towns have steam trains that are part of their history and still in operation, and dinner trains are always a nice experience. Or, if you’re planning on taking a trip, rather than taking a car or plane, take a train for a relaxing ride across the country. National Train Day is a great chance to go out and see the world and experience these amazing vehicles.

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bestmessage · 27 days

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National Train Day Messages and Quotes

National Train Day Wishes, Quotes, Greetings, Images that you can share with your friends and family. Train Quotes and Sayings For Travel Lovers.

#TrainDay #TrainDayQuotes #TrainDayMessages #NationalTrainDay

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kcvulpinestudios · 3 years

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Happy #nationaltrainday, everyone!!! #digitalart #DigitalArtist #digitalillustration #digitalartist #artistsoninstagram #artistonfacebook #trains #steamlocomotive #diesellocomotive #amtrak #Amtrak50 #santaferailway #santaferailroad #carolwoodpacificrailroad https://www.instagram.com/p/COVsQCiHe1W/?igshid=vv90wsaiw1yy

#nationaltrainday #digitalart #digitalartist #digitalillustration #artistsoninstagram #artistonfacebook #trains #steamlocomotive #diesellocomotive #amtrak #amtrak50 #santaferailway #santaferailroad #carolwoodpacificrailroad

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norfolksouthern · 5 years

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There’s still time to come out and join us at the Kids Run Trains event at the Denbigh Community Center in Newport News, Va. Try your hand at driving one of the LionChief engines, compliments of the sponsor Lionel Trains, or push the buttons to activate many of the scenes around the layout. Fun for all ages! The event is sponsored by the Lee Hall #Train Station Foundation! #NationalTrainDay (at Denbigh Community Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVA7GchNvM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fyjug0zvvadx

#train #nationaltrainday

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sfc-paulchambers · 2 years

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• @natdaycal Huge list of celebrations once again for today . If you see a monarch, be sure to let us know. Should your horse win the race tomorrow, be sure to remember us when you share the winnings, lol. Maybe the weather will cooperate and you can play outside with the kids or get some exercise toward meeting your fitness goals. have a wonderful day! #BombshellsDay #BarrierAwarenessDay #NationalFitnessDay #StartSeeingMonarchsDay #PackagingDesignDay #NationalHomebrewDay #NationalPasteUpDay #PlayOutsideDay #NationalBirthMothersDay #NationalTrainDay #RoastLegOfLambDay #JoinHandsDay #FreeComicBookDay #NationalBabysittersDay #NationalScrapbookDay #KentuckyDerby Did you know tomorrow never comes? That is why we Celebrate Every Day. Tag @NatDayCal with your favorite way to celebrate the over 1,500 National Days. (at Middle Tennessee Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdQGSb6ui8J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#bombshellsday #barrierawarenessday #nationalfitnessday #startseeingmonarchsday #packagingdesignday #nationalhomebrewday #nationalpasteupday #playoutsideday #nationalbirthmothersday #nationaltrainday #roastlegoflambday #joinhandsday #freecomicbookday #nationalbabysittersday #nationalscrapbookday #kentuckyderby

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sirjosh9 · 3 years

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Happy National Train Day to all of the train lovers around the world, especially with our favorite engine characters like Thomas the Tank Engine, Casey Junior, Tillie, Tracey, Choo Choo, the Polar Express and many more.

#thomasthetankengineandfriends #thomasandfriends #thomasthetankengine #crossover #choo choo #caseyjunior #caseyjr #tilliethelittleengine #thelittleenginethatcould #thelittleenginethatcould1991 #thelittleenginethatcould2011 #tracythelittleengine #the polar express #crotoonia #therailwaysofcrotoonia #therailwayseries #nationaltrainday #nationaltrainday2021

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wwwkaygriffin55com · 3 years

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So my Lovlies, Saturday May 8, 2021 is #Corneliadelangsyndromeawarenessday 💜 - second Saturday in May!! And it is #stampouthungerfooddriveday 🍗🍔🍞🍎🍅📦 - second Saturday in May!! And it is #timeofremembranceandreconciliation 💚 (May 8 & May 9)!! And it is #worldredcrossday 🌍❌!! And it is #internationalthalassemiaday 💙!! And it is #nationalbirthmothersday 🤰🏽- Saturday before Mother's Day!! And it is #nationalstudentnurseday 📚 🧑🏿‍🔬👩🏾‍🔬👨🏻‍🔬!!And it is #nationaldogmomsday❣️ 🧕👩‍⚖️👵🏼🐩🐕‍🦺🦮🐕🐶 - second Saturday in May!! And it is #nationalbabysittersday 🧒👧🏿👩‍🦰🤷👩🏽‍⚕️🙇🏻👩‍🦲-Saturday before Mother's Day!! And it is #worldmigratorybirdday 🦤🦉🦢🦆🦅🕊🐦- second Saturday in May and second Saturday in October!! And it is #nationaltrainday 🚂- Saturday closest to May 10!! And it ie #nationalhaveacokeday 🥤!! And it is #nationalcoconutcreampieday 🥥🍰!! And it is #nationalminiaturegolfday ⛳!! And it is #nationalarcheryday 🏹 🎯- second Saturday in May!! (at Middle Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/COmU2AchyM3/?igshid=28i6w4nesxao

#corneliadelangsyndromeawarenessday #stampouthungerfooddriveday #timeofremembranceandreconciliation #worldredcrossday #internationalthalassemiaday #nationalbirthmothersday #nationalstudentnurseday #nationaldogmomsday❣️#nationalbabysittersday #worldmigratorybirdday #nationaltrainday #nationalhaveacokeday #nationalcoconutcreampieday #nationalminiaturegolfday #nationalarcheryday

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gossiplolly-blog · 6 years

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Not even gonna lie, but there's an emoji war going on right now... The 🚄High-Speed Train actually looks faster than the 🚅 Bullet Train. Like, Dude, WTF?

TrueStoryDude.

#TrainingDave #TrainingDay #NationalTrainDay #BulletTrain #BulletBrain

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mkmoondust · 4 years

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Today is national train day and while I've actually been to quite a few train museums and exhibits over the years, this is the most recent photograph displaying train loving friends and a museum I'm literally 10 minutes away from at all times. P.s. welcoming in the new year while at a railway museum with s'mores and friends was a fantastic choice. #nationaltrainday (at Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail in Boudler City) https://www.instagram.com/p/B__b8dUjZoA/?igshid=xzw1khbjwmpy

#nationaltrainday

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leslieslane · 5 years

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Amtrak Unveils Amazing BOGO Free Offer on Roomettes and Bedrooms! But Reserve Your WONDERFUL Rail Experience Now! The Sale Ends June 10, 2019! #amtrak #train #travel #rail #railfanning #trains #railroadphotography #passengertrain #railroadstation #traintracks #usa #railroad #igers #commute #station #diesellocomotive #metroliner #TrainDay #NationalTrainDay #AmericaTrackUnknown #MyTrainjourney #MyTrainPoem #Vacay #RailwayEmployees #TrainDayevents #LesliesLane #LesliesLaneTheBook #Vacation #Happy #Instagood - @Amtrak - Follow @LesliesLane for Info on Discounts, FREE Stuff, Travel, Jobs, Resources, and so much more! Check out my website www.LesliesLane.com too! 😊 https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZSUScBKKy/?igshid=dmqkypgtl8so

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pezman4him · 5 years

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#NationalTrainDay https://www.instagram.com/p/BxWUkevHpEBvPYud5G0r1gnaw6llC56DyMDM040/?igshid=199kvcvr81nga

#nationaltrainday

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rabbitcruiser · 2 years

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National Train Day

Each year, National Train Day was observed annually on the Saturday closest to May 10th.

Trains revolutionized the world. The first railroad developed in Great Britain and initially used horses as power. These routes hauled limestone, coal, and other heavy materials long distances. Steam engines and the railroad were instrumental in westward expansion in the United States. Not only did it bring settlers West but they also brought the necessary supplies for them to start new lives.

Trains have several different distinct categories that are separated by how their locomotives are powered, their use, and the design of their tracks. A train is a form of rail transport consisting of a series of “cars” that usually run along a rail track. Trains transport cargo and passengers. A train’s speed can reach up to 350 mph.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTrainDay

While Amtrak discontinued the observance in 2016, we can still celebrate trains, their history, and our fascination with them. Visit a train museum or take a trip by train. Learn how steam power moved the country westward. If you like to read, your library might have The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley or America’s Great Railroad Stations by Roger Straus, Hugh Van Dusen, Ed Breslin. Use #NationalTrainDay to share your experiences on social media.

NATIONAL TRAIN DAY HISTORY

Amtrak created National Train Day in 2008 as a method of spreading information to the general public about rail travel and the history of trains in the United States. Amtrak discontinued the day in 2016.

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bestmessage · 1 year

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National Train Day Messages and Quotes

Wish your family and friends on National Train Day as every year the Saturday closest to May 13th is observed as National Train Day in the United States of America. Post on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram National Train Day status, quotes and sayings to celebrate this day.

#TrainDay #NationalTrainDay #TrainDayQuotes #TrainDayMessages

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daagodfatherofsolar · 5 years

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DaaGodfather here as I #travel back and forth to #SouthCarolina and #NewYork via Amtrak. I salute them on this day! #NationalTrainDay was observed annually on the #Saturday closest to #May10th. #Trains have several different distinct categories that are separated by how their #locomotives are powered, their use, and by the #design of their tracks. A train is a form of rail transport consisting of a series of “#cars” that usually run along a rail track. Trains transport cargo and passengers. A train’s speed can reach up to 350 mph. HOW TO OBSERVE While #Amtrak discontinued the observance in 2016, we can still celebrate trains, their history and our fascination with them. Visit a #trainmuseum or take a trip by train. Learn how steam power moved the country westward. If you like to read, your library might have The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley or America’s Great Railroad Stations by Roger Straus, Hugh Van Dusen, Ed Breslin. Use NationalTrainDay to share your experiences on social media. HISTORY National Train Day was started by Amtrak in 2008 as a method to spread information to the general public about rail travel and the history of trains in the #UnitedStates. Amtrak discontinued the day in 2016. Shout Out to #SchoolHouseRock #MTA #SoulTrain and SolarTrain #love #phototheday #style #hats ...brought to hyou by #DaaGodfather aka #DaaGodfatherOfSolar your #SolarBrotherNo1 #ClimateChange #LovePeaceSolar (at Denmark, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVhMz0lcat/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lfn11qx1v5ky

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pipskay · 5 years

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So my Lovelies, Saturday,.May 11, 2019 is #nationalbabysittersday - Saturday before Mother's Day..and my National Day because I am a part time babysitter/nanny!!! And it is #nationalbirthmothersday -Saturday before Mother's Day! And it is #nationaldogmomsday -second Saturday in May! It is #CornellaDeLangeSyndroneAwarenessday -second Saturday in May! And it is #stampouthungerfooddriveday - second Saturday in May! It is #nationaleatwhatyouwantday It is #nationalfoamrollingday It is #nationaltwilightzoneday It is #nationaltrainday -Saturday closest to May 10 And it is #nationalarcheryday - Second Saturday in May! And it is #nationalminiaturegolfday - second Saturday in May https://www.instagram.com/pipskay/p/BxTyz55hyiX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4svgj6ijjt5f

#nationalbabysittersday #nationalbirthmothersday #nationaldogmomsday #cornelladelangesyndroneawarenessday #stampouthungerfooddriveday #nationaleatwhatyouwantday #nationalfoamrollingday #nationaltwilightzoneday #nationaltrainday #nationalarcheryday #nationalminiaturegolfday

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citizenscreen · 2 years

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Hitchcock on a Train revisit for #NationalTrainDay…

https://aurorasginjoint.com/2015/10/21/cmba-plains-trains-and-automobiles-hitchcock-on-a-train/

#alfred hitchcock

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