The arrival of the legend was anticipated by quite some people at the station. They would see the legend soon and even better, they could actually ride on it. Emerald Night was an old-style but timeless train. Powered by steam and fueled by coal, the huge locomotive hauled only one compartment, making it much more special and unique. The station could not accommodate this legendary train due to smaller width between the two platforms. The public had continuously compaigned for the decrease of platform gap to prevent accidents. Later the modification of the tracks and platforms finally allowed Emerald Night to pass through.
The tickets to ride on Emerald Night were quickly sold out several weeks ago, and those who managed to get them rushed into the only compartment of the train. Some even carried loads of bulky luggage probably for a long vacation. A man finally found his girlfriend in the car, who in her excitement had disappeared into the crowded compartment.
The staff was not any more relaxed than the passengers. As soon as the train stopped, the engineers and station staff began checking on the engines and compartment connections.
"Thank God you are here! I spotted some cracks in the tender. It should be cleaned first before inspection. What do you think?"
"Coal? Steam cart?"
"I don't know! I am asking you!"
"Right here. The crack is right here..."
"Man, that's paint crack!"
Those who did not have tickets could still touch the train. Some immediately took out their cameras to capture this rarely-seen spectacle. Even the TV company sent reporters to film the maiden voyage of Emerald Night.
"Mum! That was Emerald Night! What a huge engine!"
"Mind the gap son!"
"Is that steam inside the tank? Can I have a ride too? Can we ride on it this weekend? Can I have take a picture of it?"
The fastest in the past, and the fastest of today - it was like the a new star meeting a legendary star who had just retired. Wait, the legend here was still working! With the two or more trains coming together in the station, we were witnessing an evolution over the rails, and the advancement of technology and human ingenuity. Each of them is a masterpiece of engineers and scientists, taking advantage of the latest technology and knowledge of the time. They were also a reflection of our changing world: we are moving faster and faster, and probably spending less and less time looking at the scenery during the journey. Exactly as in life, we work fast, and we talk fast, and we no longer care about the tiny beautiful things around us. Sometimes, we probably need to ride on the older trains so that we slow down and appreciate our surroundings more.
Faster, or slower - it depends on where you are going and what you want to experience. In either case, we will still have stories to tell. Perhaps these vihicles are not just pieces of transportation, but sources of unique experience.
Lego brick train rail locomotive engine steam old emerald night