Coupled by Trains: Reconnecting with Friends at the NRHS Convention
By Jamie S. Johnson
This summer I had the opportunity to attend the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Convention in East Lansing, Michigan. It was my second convention, and while the programs, excursions, and locomotives are always highlights, the most meaningful part for me has been the friendships I’ve made along the way.
At my very first convention, I met two incredible rail enthusiasts, Bill and Jim. Bill runs a YouTube channel called Transcontinental Railfan, sharing train experiences with a wider audience, and Jim is a lifelong railfan with a passion for the railroad. Despite our vastly different backgrounds and life stages, one thing “couples” us together: our shared passion and appreciation for trains.
Over the past year, we’ve kept in touch through email and social media, following each other’s travels and celebrating milestones along the way. I’ve learned far more from them than they’ve likely learned from me. Their knowledge of railroads is wide-reaching, and I’ve had the privilege of watching them check off some incredible bucket-list experiences, riding rare excursions, seeing historic locomotives in action, and even witnessing steam power come roaring back to life after years of retirement.
This year, the tables turned. Together, Bill and Jim stood with me during one of my own most memorable train moments: discovering that the legendary Pere Marquette 1225, famous for inspiring The Polar Express, is indeed a real, living, breathing steam locomotive. That realization, shared with friends who understood the significance, has become one of my fondest memories in railroading.
Trains have always had a unique way of bringing people together. Throughout history, they’ve carried families on vacations, workers to new opportunities, and soldiers to and from war. Today, they still connect people, whether you’re taking your family on an excursion ride, attending a railroad convention, or simply standing trackside with a fellow railfan.
I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve found through the NRHS. While this is only the beginning, I’m already looking forward to our next adventure together. And to anyone reading this: the next time you find yourself on a train, or even near one, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. You never know, you might just find a lifelong friend, coupled by the rails.
If you are a railfan and want to learn more about the National Railway Historical Society, visit www.nrhs.com. Be sure to check out their YouTube channel: Transcontinental Railfan
