How did your train addiction begin? What made you interest in this kind of transport?
When I was very young, around two or so, one of my mother's friends was the qualified steam locomotive engineer at Allaire State Park in Wall, NJ. He would sit me on his lap and we would watch his train videos. He also got me my first Thomas tape when I was about two, so that was a major catalyst as well. As time went on, I learned more and educated myself upon many facets of the railroading operation

Ok. So how does your interest in trains manifest itself?
Where do I begin? Ok, I'll try. When I'm at school, I can see some trains heading into Long Branch, depending on which side of the building I'm on. My job is right next to the Coast Line and I get to see all of the rush hour trains that run west of LB if I'm on the express lane. Whenever I'm neither working nor doing some sort of school/family/girlfriend related activity, I'll go railfanning. This never has to be far away, mind you-I can do it quite comfortably right in Long Branch. Whenever I have a day off from school on a weekday that isn't a holiday, I like to do a morning rush someplace. When I go to see my girlfriend, I also get a healthy dose of railfanning in-she lives in Philadelphia and I have to take four trains to go and see her.

What is your all-time favorite locomotive(s)/train(s) of your country's railways?
Hmmm....I would have to go with the E8. They were good for just about anything you threw at them and the ones we had ran like Abrams tanks for well over thirty years and under several different railroads.

I see. Do you have an all-time favorite foreign engine(s)?
Well, I think British steam locomotives are absolutely gorgeous. 60163 Tornado is remarkably beautiful.

Do you ride a train often or at least regularly?
Yes, at least once a week.

When was the last time you went somewhere by train? What kind of train it was?
The last time was when I came to see my girlfriend. In fact, it is from her laptop that I do this while she does schoolwork. I had 6050 to Rahway, Arrows to Trenton, then the Stadler LRV for the River Line and a Budd designed Vickers car on Patco.

This is where the harder part begins. Is your train addiction just at admiration level or you're also deeply interested in technical details and stuff?
Both. I like to know how the stuff works. Yeah, it's nice to look at (for the most part) but it's not going to do you much good if you can't figure out what's going on "behind the scenes" so to speak.

What do you find the most interesting/knowledge-enriching fact you've learned about trains?
Well, that would be a tough question. I suppose it's the fact that it's always something different, and I suppose that's one of the more endearing things about my hobby

Do you think you know enough about railways to consider yourself a "train expert" now?
Yes. Of course, fifteen year of railways knowledge is less than one day of railroading knowledge.

Now that you look back at the times you didn't know as much as now do you feel you made a train-knowledge progress?
Yes. I suppose it's still that way-you learn something new all the time

Enough with the philosophy stuff. Do you have a train related dream that you want to come true although you don't find it probable?
I'd love to have my own rail company and make a dream roster with every sort of power imaginable.

Have you ever thought about your hobby becoming your job? (being a train driver or so..) Did you do something for it? Confess..
Sometimes. I have an overwhelming desire to be an assistant conductor/ticket collector, if only because I enjoy helping people.

Oh... How do you feel about it now?
Same way I did thirty seconds ago when I answered the last question

Is there something you'd give up for your interest?
I've given up quite a bit for my hobby, and I still make occasional sacrifices for it.

Is there something that makes you proud of your country's railways?
Sometimes, like when I look at new services being instituted, then yes. On the other hand, such as when I look at SEPTA, the answer is a loud and resounding No.

Now is there something about your country's railways that annoys the hell out of you?
Yes. There's no desire to work with the fan community to try to give people a good time and maybe attract some new customers. Don't believe me? Ask Norfolk Southern after they lopped their steam program off.

Something more about what do you like? Are you more into older and classic trains or do you like the modern ones better?
I personally believe that older trains exude more class and beauty. But that doesn't mean there's no good to be found in new stuff.

Steam engines are a particular category. How much attention do you pay for those?
Love 'em. Don't really get to see em though.

Are there some trains/engines you changed your opinion about?
Well, new stuff is pretty when it comes out, but it's not always the nicest once it gets up and going

It hurts me to ask this but are there some trains/engines you don't like?
Yes. 4418, 4402, 4613, annnnd 4409.

Do you think there is some train stuff other trainiacs should definetly see/hear?
I think everyone should get to see an all ALCO lashup notch out with a heave drag.

How do you get along with train drivers. Do you use to talk to them if an opportunity shows up?
Yeah, sometimes.

Oh yeah .. now that I mentioned it ... have you ever rode in a train cab?
Yes. In 5141.

Are there some special railway events in your country? Do you go on those?
Not enough time/money usually.

What's your most treasured train experience?
The times I "got the shot/train/last/first run/friendly engineer." And the camraderie of the IREs.

What train station have you seen the most interesting trains at?
Newark Penn, Rahway, Long Branch, and many others. Every station usually brings something to the table.

Is there some train-related website(s) you visit regularly or find some useful information at?
[link] & [link]

The meme is almost over. Any last comments you want to say before it ends?
I love my Cheru