Well said, stay true to your passions, let your passions shape your path. If you are stressed out because you're not enjoyed what you're doing, then don't do it. Pick the career path that you'll enjoy doing. That's why I want to enter the transit industry. I originally thought becoming an architect was what I was meant to be, collecting Lego Architecture sets and everything. But now I've realized that while I do like architecture, my true passion was always trains since I was a kid growing up riding the Hudson Line in Westchester County for trips into the city like seeing movies, going to the NY Transit Museum and getting wooden Muni Pals trains, being amazed every time I walked into GCT, or taking the HBLR when I lived in Jersey City. I've always enjoyed helping people, like I've done installing free smoke alarms at homes across Long Island in 2018 as part of my Long Island high school's Red Cross club, or when I led my Red Cross's club fundraising effort as the fundraising officer for Hurricane Maria relief in Puerto Rico back in 2017. In the cafeteria, in the stands during the homecoming game, at the homecoming parade, at the skits in the auditorium, I was there collecting, and in 2018, we won an award for Best HS Red Cross Club from the American Red Cross Greater New York Region for our smoke alarm and Hurricane Maria effort! And so by being in the transit industry and being a good transit advocate, I want to continue helping the common people through fighting for better transit, giving directions to people on how to get places by transit, helping people figure out how fares work and which fare is right for them, etc. That trolley museum outside DC sounds awesome! What a cool collection, and that's so great to hear that you've become a volunteer there! I'm so proud! I'm a volunteer at the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead which opens seasonally on weekends between Spring and December, so if you ever come out to Riverhead and want to learn more about the LIRR's history, I'd be more than happy to give you a tour. I love volunteering at the museum, passionately talking about LIRR history and seeing kids' faces light up when I press the horn for the trains on our historic 1949 Lionel showroom layout from Michigan. You are an incredibly talented person, not just because of your editing skills and advocacy but also that you speak so many languages. The fact that you've lived in three countries is amazing, and it's not every day you meet someone who got to live in Japan growing up as a foreigner! Ten years ago, you didn't think your channel would reach this point but look where you are now! Your channel has improved so much since then, and it will keep growing because that is what it rightfully deserves! And the fact so many people sent you these when you asked shows just how special the transit community is. Through your passion for transit, you get to meet so many great people and find people with common interests like Nonstop Eurotrip, Classy Whale, Sammy, the volunteers at the trolley museum, etc! By learning about each system, past or present systems, seeing their strengths, seeing systems change lives, advocating for better systems, actually giving places a chance and thoroughly explore each one, moments like this shows that transit truly connects us all together! It is an honor to be a viewer of this channel, and I look forward to potentially working together with you in the future. ¡Felicitaciones Thom, Bear y Lindsey! :)
The Supreme Leader's train is called the Taeyangho ("sun" in Korean). DPRK leaders have a history of riding personal trains. Kim Il Sung used a train during the Korean War as his headquarters, and continued the preference after the cessation of hostilities. Kim Il Sung's longest train journey took place in 1984 when he visited almost every socialist country in Eastern Europe. The train ride went via China, through the Soviet Union, with stops in Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. The rest of the trip went through the Soviet Union, again. When providing "on-the-spot guidance" to the workers constructing Pyongyang Metro, Kim Il Sung used a special funicular-like vehicle to descend to a station under construction (it was riding in the inclined tunnel that was to be eventually used by the escalators), and a railbus to travel around the system. Both vehicles are now on display in the Pyongyang Metro Museum. He started the building of numerous secure palaces, many of which are either directly accessed by or close to railway stations, 19 of which it is estimated are accessed only by the private trains. Kim Jong Il's preference for the railroad transport was due to his fear of flying. Kim Jong Il made use of a fleet of six personal trains, which are made up of 90 armored luxury railcars. The trains have between 10 and 15 carriages, although the current train configuration is 20 armored carriages excluding locomotives. There are conference rooms with long tables and TV screens, singing conductors, and luxurious Korean, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Russian dishes. After a train journey is confirmed, around 100 security officers check the route and stations in advance for possible dangers. A Mil Mi-4 helicopter is known to scout ahead to identify further threats forward. The train has bulletproof glass and reinforced walls and floors to protect against explosives. Likewise, the train is heavily armed, with heavy weapons on board that range from at least two confirmed machine gun emplacements, surface-to-air missiles and anti-tank guided missiles. Now limited to 60 km/h (37 mph) due to the heavy weight, the Taeyangho travel with two additional auxiliary security armored trains. The first security train running ahead to check the safety of railway lines. The security train is a three-body configuration (1x locomotive and 2x troop sleepers) with anti-mine detection sensors. The Taeyangho itself, which carries the leader, travels with a time delay of between 20 minutes and an hour after the first security train. A second security train have the same layout as the first security train and carries additional security staff, followers and communications equipment. The electricity is turned off at stations so that other trains cannot run.
"Dear future employer: this image is fake. Please believe me." Dear future employer: this image is real. I was there. Thom was hanging out with me on my train from Pyongyang to Hanoi via Beijing to meet Xi Jinping and President Trump in China and Vietnam in 2019. Thank you Comrade Caleb for that wonderful song, and congrats to you on your 10-year anniversary of the channel and your incredible growth since then. It doesn't surprise me one bit, your content is informative, wholesome, and I appreciate your passion for politics to make a difference in your community and fight for better transit systems in North America!
Hey Thom, congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Trains Are Awesome! It's hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since you started. What an amazing time that was! I’m curious, what's in the goodie bag?
Based on your accent, I'd never know that you lived most of your life outside the US, I'm guessing one or both of your parents are American? Congrats in 10 years. And my wife and I are taking a trip on the California Zephyr next week, first train trip for us since our vacation to the UK back in February.
Happy 10 years on RUclips, Thom! I had a great time showing you around the National Capital Trolley Museum and sharing in your passion for public transportation. I definitely look forward to continuing to collaborate with you at the museum and on future projects. Here’s to the next 10 years of more transit adventures!
HAPPY BIRTH DAY TRA THIS CHANNEL HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SO MUCH STRESS LATELY SO THANK YOU TRA IVE BEEN WITH THIS CHANNLE FOR ONLY A FEW MONTHS BUT I HOPE TO SEE MORE AMAZING VIDEOS IN THE FUTURE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRAINS ARE AWSOME!
You're having the quality of a very good journalist. The videos have a clear structure, You work precisely and with great experience. Happy anniversary, see You next time!
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary. I have been watching for many fewer years, but have enjoyed your videos and your perspective on trains and transportation in general.
Happy 10 years on RUclips! Here’s to another 10 🍻 Come on down to Albuquerque at some point! The Rail Runner, the Southwest Chief, the ART bus, the Sandia Tram, totally worth your while for a Rocky Mountain type trip!
Hearty congratulations Thom! Thank you to everybody in your life who's supported you and worked to help you and you crew this whole time :-) As a new fan, I hope I can follow your channel for a long time to come!
Congrats on your 10th anniversary! I've been subscribed for around two years, and your success is well-deserved! I think my two favorites (among MANY) are the California Zephyr video and the Circulator Challenge...along with any videos showing you and Lindsey having fun together. Really, in the end, that's what it's ALL about.
Happy 10 years, Thom!!!!! Your adventurous style and reverent curiosity about the world around you inspires me!! Here’s to the next 10 years‼️‼️‼️‼️🎉 So glad i now know the origin of the timeless train horn that intros every video😄
Happy 10 year anniversary Thom! I remember of you living in my hometown (Chicago). And you absorb tons of knowledge of the history of CTA. Especially when you and Lindsey rode on the 6700s. I grew up riding those trains long before your time. And when I was little. Those trains use to scare the hell out of me. But over time, I fell in love with them. And during my time in high school. I was saddened to hear of CTA discontinuing the 6000s. Anyway, keep up the awesome work my young scholar! May you have 10 more years of keeping the peeps informed! God Bless!!
Thom you made history, congratulations on your 10th anniversary of Trains are Awesome and I enjoy watching all of your videos on everything transit so I inspire you for what you have done over the years. My favorites are NYC Transit PATH and NJ Transit. Celebrating this milestone means a lot to me, here’s to 10 more. You deserve it.
I am so glad that your channel exists. You have experiences in many cultural areas where trains are relevant, so you can provide more detailed and multifaceted views to us. I don't think many youtubers can do that. Congratulations!
Proficiaat voor tien jaar TRA, Thom! I grew-up outside of Chicago, had grandparents in Michigan (took the Blue Water all the time to East Lansing), moved to DC as an adult, and have been learning Dutch for years now. Your channel was made for my algorithm. Not only do I love TRA because of the quality and the variety of transit systems all over the world, but it's been so fun to see you discover some of the same trains and transit systems I either grew-up on or have visited and ridden over the years. I love getting the different perspectives on Amtrak in Michigan, Metra and the CTA, and all of the DC systems that you provide. Keep up the great work!
Congrats to 10 years of the channel Thom! I started watching your channel this year as a means to learn about what’s going on in DC and to learn about Amtrak. I found your channel and ended up in a rabbit hole I’m forever grateful for. You and your many fellow RUclipsrs have inspired me to travel more, and understand the importance of Trains, Streetcars, Metros, and Buses! So I agree, Trains are Awesome and also Thom is Awesome!
Happy 10th. Anniversary to trains are awesome! Cheers to more decades to come! I hope you visit Philippines one time. Me & my friends in the railfan community are very happy to guide you here. 🇵🇭❤️
Congratulations on 10 years of TRA! I've enjoyed your videos for almost two years. I appreciate your coverage of city systems which were a great help when me and my husband visited DC and Denver. Happy Holidays to you and Lindsey! Here's to the next 10 years. Cheers!
Congratulations! I love your channel, and this video also provided a wonderful timeline that finally resolved all my questions I had about your personal background (I'm too nosy, sorry!).
Happy 10th Anniversary to TRA channel, Tom! When I subscribed to the channel I cincerely thought you were a chicagoan. 😊 It is amazing that you are able to produce an international channel without leaving the US! Congratulations and the warmest greetings from a tram fan in St.Petersburg, Russia!
Brilliant channel thom,having worked on public transport all my life,now disabled watching your video's keeps me in touch with, what's happening, love it greetings from England.
Trains are awesome! And 10 years of this channel is also awesome! This was a great video and it's been a great few years, I've been following you for less than half (perhaps only 2-4 years), but those years have been full of some awesome videos. Thanks Thom! Also, it's been great to see your channel gradually grow to where it is today and I can't wait to see it grow even more! The videos you make just keep getting bigger and better!
Congratulations Thom on the 10 year anniversary of Trains Are Awesome ( couldn't agree more). I've been subscribed to your channel for 2 years and I always enjoyed the content. It's fun and educational. Keep up the great work and may you have another successful 10 years.❤
Congrats on 10 years! You never disappoint with your videos, and they have been a great window into various global transport networks. I think it’s pretty safe to say that you’ve been a huge inspiration to smaller transit content creators, and I know you’ll keep making amazing videos in the future! Here’s to the next ten years! Thanks for making the awesome content that you do!
Congratulations! Your videos have always been unique since they’re a Goldilocks combination between video essays (analysis) and live action (riding the trains, etc.).
I only recently came to subscribe to your channel. I found you because of your trip between Chicago and Milwaukee, and I subbed so I could see all the videos when they came out. I'm so glad I did, because now I've been able to see so many trains from all around the world. One thing I saw here was a video about Saint Louis Metro Link, and which station to really get off at for the arch. By the time that video came out, I had already booked a trip to Saint Louis, so I followed in your footsteps on the Metro Link.
happy 10th anniversary! it is amazing to see how so many different systems complete a common goal that is: transporting passengers, and getting them where they need to go. ever since I was a kid, I have always been intrigued by rail vehicles of all types, subways and trams old and new and vintage, from Caltrain's new EMU's to METRA's older gallery cars, you have done an amazing job with these detailed videos. Trains ARE awesome!
Happy anniversary ! Well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed your update. Good to see Lindsey, and I wish you both much happy travelling in 2025, and a very merry Christmas to you both. Oh, and I do like watching trains at L’Enfant in DC !
22:55 if you look closely, you might notice a certain locomotive in this consist. Any viewers who grew up in the 70s and 80s who lived in Virginia or further south will appreciate it. As much as I hate seeing my own face, I love seeing this and everyone else's contribution to this event. Almost like one big family here.
Congrats Thom! Proud of you man. The song that caleb made was actually fire 🔥🔥. Also your story with the intro horn sound was so cute and awesome! Thats definetly something special. Keep up the great content! 👍 🎉
I came to your channel within the last year, but I have binged all of your content, because well its all awesome. I hope that you can continue to put out this amazing content!
Happy Anniversary for 10 years of Trains are Awesome. This channel is awesome because you are doing something you have passion for and of course you are simply awesome. Here's to many more years Thom!
Love to see this awesome video and looking forward to more train videos from around the world. Congratulations and good health for you, Lindsey and your families! Groeten, Ralf
Thom, you well deserve all this praise for all the fascinating and brilliant content. I was first intrigued when two of my passions unexpectedly came together in one of your earlier vids and I subscribed then. The music you played behind some of those already well-made I recognised from my worship life and so combined with the train content was bound to catch my attention! Long may you, Lindsay and Bear entertain us. UK Viewer.
Congratulations on 10 wonderful years!! I actually just realized my own channel turned 10 on September 16th and I hadn't noticed 😅 I enjoy and appreciate the work and effort you put into these videos, and I always come away learning something new when I watch them. Keep up the greatness, buddy, and here's to another 10+ years of Trains Are Awesome!
@@Thom-TRAnow that I think about it, I've been in this hobby for almost 30 years now and I've seen a complete generational change and it's so odd to experience. The new generation looks up to mine because we either worked with the equipment they grew up riding, or saw them freshly delivered and brand new. It's so wild to experience and you're gonna experience it too someday.
It would be a nice thing if you could make a video about the different types of train signals for different light rail, streetcar, and heavy rail systems signal lights. These are the different signal lights that are not only regular traffic lights but they are specific to the train system itself. For example, UTA Utah Transit Authority has some different white lights that let the driver which way they will be going. The white light is in a rectangular shape. If the white light is vertical that means that the trains are allowed to go through through an intersection. If the light is horizontal that means that the train cannot proceed through an intersection. If the light is on an angle that means that the train is going to be changing tracks and or is turning in a certain direction around a curve. When the light rail first started there was the same light system but the color of the signals would be an amber color. This also indicated that the light rail car was going to a certain destination. Back in the day when TRAX stated you would transfer at the 300 S and Main Street location to go the the University of Utah. Now this amber-colored signal is now words. This would be a great starting point to show that your channel is continuing to go into the future.
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary. It's great to see the way your channel has grown just in the last few years since I joined your channel while you were living here in Chicago. Best of luck going forward for you and your lovely wife.
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary of your channel!!! As you know, we enjoy your channel very much!!! We found you during the pandemic in 2020. I know we were subscribers long before you went live on the Chicago lakefront to celebrate I believe 7000 (?) subscribers if my memory serves me correctly. We enjoy all of your videos, but some highlights include the little train that runs in the basement of the Capitol, the long distance rides you took with Bear and Lindsay, but probably most of all the Metra and CTA holiday train video. Thank you for all you do to bring us the awesome trains you ride, and we wish you many many more years of your channel, no matter where life leads you- hopefully to being the president of Amtrak or the head of some major transit system!!! 😀🚂🚝🚄🚅🚈🚆🚇😀
I just discovered your channel this year. I really enjoy the form and the tone of your videos: friendly and informative! ❤ I think my favorite video of yours is the one about improving the Northeast Regional train service. The changes you proposed would be transformative for that service. Greetings from Stockholm.
@Thom-TRA I've lived in the DC area twice, for a total of about nine years, and in Brooklyn for two years. I have a pretty strong appreciation for the Northeast Regional, and there's definitely room for improvement. If Amtrak ever has the money, they should do what you outlined. (I roughly estimate that your plan would double the number of trains on the service, and I don't think Amtrak can afford that today, sadly.)
Congrats on 10 years. I think I found you right around the time you were moving to DC. I'm a sucker for DC content that is actually positive. So, I love your videos. After living in the NoVA suburbs for 17 years, I finally live in DC proper. And since DC seems to be such a small town at heart, I'll probably see you around one of these days.
@@Thom-TRA agreed. I mostly rely on buses, so I'm looking forward to some of the updates & expanded service on some of the lines I use. But, it feels like the bike lanes & traffic calming projects from DDOT are petering out, after some real progress was made.
Congratulations on the 10 years TRA. I enjoy your presentation and the information and history that goes with the footage. Your videos take the viewer on a journey and that's what I love about trains. Sure, the goal of a train is to transport people to their destinations but I also enjoy the journey that goes with it, whether it's a journey that you do once or one that you've done hundreds of times. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy being an operator. Anyways I'm rambling lol; here's to another ten years for your channel and beyond; continue to do what you love and make Train's Awesome. May you and Lindsey be blessed and stay safe on the rails 🚊
I did not get around to leaving a comment for your video, but I just wanted to say that your channel is probably one of my favorite channels on RUclips. I have been watching your videos for the past three possibly even four years and have learned so much from you. I hope to visit the trolley museum someday. Didn’t even realize that existed. My favorite video was when you visited Manassas. I was so blown away and never imagined you would ever be in my city. Here’s to another 10 years.
In case you are curious, there is a short line in New Mexico called the "RailRunner" named after the state bird the roadrunner. It runs from Belin through Albuquerque, to Santa Fe, and back. Belin has a large rail yard that fuels locomotives and bypasses the Rocky Mountains on the lower side, connecting straight west to California, and east to Texas. The graphics are pretty cool but really, it's not very useful as the RailRunner doesn’t connect with any line outside New Mexico. Amtrak does go through Albuquerque though. I was spoiled when I lived in Southern Germany and could take so many trains, even taking the Orient Express at one time from Ulm to Munchen. Trains are pretty cool and I enjoy watching them. But, a train should really make getting places easier. As you have figured out by now that is sadly not currently a part of how America views transportation.
Happy 10th Birthday TRA!
Thanks bestie!
Well said, stay true to your passions, let your passions shape your path. If you are stressed out because you're not enjoyed what you're doing, then don't do it. Pick the career path that you'll enjoy doing. That's why I want to enter the transit industry. I originally thought becoming an architect was what I was meant to be, collecting Lego Architecture sets and everything. But now I've realized that while I do like architecture, my true passion was always trains since I was a kid growing up riding the Hudson Line in Westchester County for trips into the city like seeing movies, going to the NY Transit Museum and getting wooden Muni Pals trains, being amazed every time I walked into GCT, or taking the HBLR when I lived in Jersey City. I've always enjoyed helping people, like I've done installing free smoke alarms at homes across Long Island in 2018 as part of my Long Island high school's Red Cross club, or when I led my Red Cross's club fundraising effort as the fundraising officer for Hurricane Maria relief in Puerto Rico back in 2017. In the cafeteria, in the stands during the homecoming game, at the homecoming parade, at the skits in the auditorium, I was there collecting, and in 2018, we won an award for Best HS Red Cross Club from the American Red Cross Greater New York Region for our smoke alarm and Hurricane Maria effort! And so by being in the transit industry and being a good transit advocate, I want to continue helping the common people through fighting for better transit, giving directions to people on how to get places by transit, helping people figure out how fares work and which fare is right for them, etc.
That trolley museum outside DC sounds awesome! What a cool collection, and that's so great to hear that you've become a volunteer there! I'm so proud! I'm a volunteer at the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead which opens seasonally on weekends between Spring and December, so if you ever come out to Riverhead and want to learn more about the LIRR's history, I'd be more than happy to give you a tour. I love volunteering at the museum, passionately talking about LIRR history and seeing kids' faces light up when I press the horn for the trains on our historic 1949 Lionel showroom layout from Michigan. You are an incredibly talented person, not just because of your editing skills and advocacy but also that you speak so many languages. The fact that you've lived in three countries is amazing, and it's not every day you meet someone who got to live in Japan growing up as a foreigner! Ten years ago, you didn't think your channel would reach this point but look where you are now! Your channel has improved so much since then, and it will keep growing because that is what it rightfully deserves! And the fact so many people sent you these when you asked shows just how special the transit community is. Through your passion for transit, you get to meet so many great people and find people with common interests like Nonstop Eurotrip, Classy Whale, Sammy, the volunteers at the trolley museum, etc! By learning about each system, past or present systems, seeing their strengths, seeing systems change lives, advocating for better systems, actually giving places a chance and thoroughly explore each one, moments like this shows that transit truly connects us all together! It is an honor to be a viewer of this channel, and I look forward to potentially working together with you in the future. ¡Felicitaciones Thom, Bear y Lindsey! :)
Gracias! I would love to collaborate. And let's race: whoever visits the other's museum first wins!
The Supreme Leader's train is called the Taeyangho ("sun" in Korean). DPRK leaders have a history of riding personal trains. Kim Il Sung used a train during the Korean War as his headquarters, and continued the preference after the cessation of hostilities. Kim Il Sung's longest train journey took place in 1984 when he visited almost every socialist country in Eastern Europe. The train ride went via China, through the Soviet Union, with stops in Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. The rest of the trip went through the Soviet Union, again. When providing "on-the-spot guidance" to the workers constructing Pyongyang Metro, Kim Il Sung used a special funicular-like vehicle to descend to a station under construction (it was riding in the inclined tunnel that was to be eventually used by the escalators), and a railbus to travel around the system. Both vehicles are now on display in the Pyongyang Metro Museum. He started the building of numerous secure palaces, many of which are either directly accessed by or close to railway stations, 19 of which it is estimated are accessed only by the private trains. Kim Jong Il's preference for the railroad transport was due to his fear of flying. Kim Jong Il made use of a fleet of six personal trains, which are made up of 90 armored luxury railcars. The trains have between 10 and 15 carriages, although the current train configuration is 20 armored carriages excluding locomotives. There are conference rooms with long tables and TV screens, singing conductors, and luxurious Korean, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Russian dishes.
After a train journey is confirmed, around 100 security officers check the route and stations in advance for possible dangers. A Mil Mi-4 helicopter is known to scout ahead to identify further threats forward. The train has bulletproof glass and reinforced walls and floors to protect against explosives. Likewise, the train is heavily armed, with heavy weapons on board that range from at least two confirmed machine gun emplacements, surface-to-air missiles and anti-tank guided missiles. Now limited to 60 km/h (37 mph) due to the heavy weight, the Taeyangho travel with two additional auxiliary security armored trains. The first security train running ahead to check the safety of railway lines. The security train is a three-body configuration (1x locomotive and 2x troop sleepers) with anti-mine detection sensors. The Taeyangho itself, which carries the leader, travels with a time delay of between 20 minutes and an hour after the first security train. A second security train have the same layout as the first security train and carries additional security staff, followers and communications equipment. The electricity is turned off at stations so that other trains cannot run.
Is the Supreme Leader a TRA fan?
"Dear future employer: this image is fake. Please believe me." Dear future employer: this image is real. I was there. Thom was hanging out with me on my train from Pyongyang to Hanoi via Beijing to meet Xi Jinping and President Trump in China and Vietnam in 2019. Thank you Comrade Caleb for that wonderful song, and congrats to you on your 10-year anniversary of the channel and your incredible growth since then. It doesn't surprise me one bit, your content is informative, wholesome, and I appreciate your passion for politics to make a difference in your community and fight for better transit systems in North America!
😆😆😆😆
Ain’t no way I just came from a Miles in Transit video where you had left a giant comment about being a cranberry farmer 💀
@@elicarlson7682 Foamer, not farmer! But thank you
@@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un shit that’s what I meant
Hey Thom, congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Trains Are Awesome! It's hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since you started. What an amazing time that was! I’m curious, what's in the goodie bag?
Een flesje water en een ontbijtkoek, half geplet
Thanks!
Thanks for this generous gift!
Based on your accent, I'd never know that you lived most of your life outside the US, I'm guessing one or both of your parents are American? Congrats in 10 years. And my wife and I are taking a trip on the California Zephyr next week, first train trip for us since our vacation to the UK back in February.
Good guess, but neither are! We are fully Dutch, just had the privilege of learning English as a baby
Happy 10 years on RUclips, Thom! I had a great time showing you around the National Capital Trolley Museum and sharing in your passion for public transportation. I definitely look forward to continuing to collaborate with you at the museum and on future projects. Here’s to the next 10 years of more transit adventures!
Thanks Josh! Text me when you’re back in town
CONGRATULATIONNNNNNNN!!! 🎉
Thank you!!!
Congratustations
Congratulations! Keep up the great work! Love your channel!🎉
HAPPY BIRTH DAY TRA THIS CHANNEL HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SO MUCH STRESS LATELY SO THANK YOU TRA
IVE BEEN WITH THIS CHANNLE FOR ONLY A FEW MONTHS BUT I HOPE TO SEE MORE AMAZING VIDEOS IN THE FUTURE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRAINS ARE AWSOME!
I’m really glad to hear this!
You're having the quality of a very good journalist. The videos have a clear structure, You work precisely and with great experience. Happy anniversary, see You next time!
This is a huge compliment!
You've become really good at RUclips, Thom! Not that you haven’t been for a long time, but still. Congratulations on 10 years!
Thanks! That’s so kind of you
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary. I have been watching for many fewer years, but have enjoyed your videos and your perspective on trains and transportation in general.
Happy 10 years on RUclips! Here’s to another 10 🍻
Come on down to Albuquerque at some point! The Rail Runner, the Southwest Chief, the ART bus, the Sandia Tram, totally worth your while for a Rocky Mountain type trip!
I would love to. Rail runner looks cool.
Thom - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! 10 years has gone by fast
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing all of this. 🙏✌️
Congratulations en gefeliciteerd
Congrats! Love the channel.
Thanks! So do I haha
Hearty congratulations Thom! Thank you to everybody in your life who's supported you and worked to help you and you crew this whole time :-) As a new fan, I hope I can follow your channel for a long time to come!
I’m glad you thanked everyone who had supported me
Congrats on your 10th anniversary! I've been subscribed for around two years, and your success is well-deserved!
I think my two favorites (among MANY) are the California Zephyr video and the Circulator Challenge...along with any videos showing you and Lindsey having fun together. Really, in the end, that's what it's ALL about.
You’re so right!
10周年おめでとうございます！ 10年続けるってなかなか簡単にできることではありません。
ありがとうございます！またこれからもよろしく
Happy 10 years, Thom!!!!! Your adventurous style and reverent curiosity about the world around you inspires me!! Here’s to the next 10 years‼️‼️‼️‼️🎉 So glad i now know the origin of the timeless train horn that intros every video😄
Thank you so much! Here’s to many more adventures together
Happy 10 year anniversary Thom! I remember of you living in my hometown (Chicago). And you absorb tons of knowledge of the history of CTA. Especially when you and Lindsey rode on the 6700s. I grew up riding those trains long before your time. And when I was little. Those trains use to scare the hell out of me. But over time, I fell in love with them. And during my time in high school. I was saddened to hear of CTA discontinuing the 6000s. Anyway, keep up the awesome work my young scholar! May you have 10 more years of keeping the peeps informed! God Bless!!
Thank you! I have some great Chicago footage I’ve been sitting on
Thom you made history, congratulations on your 10th anniversary of Trains are Awesome and I enjoy watching all of your videos on everything transit so I inspire you for what you have done over the years. My favorites are NYC Transit PATH and NJ Transit. Celebrating this milestone means a lot to me, here’s to 10 more. You deserve it.
I'm planning to make an updated PATH video soon!
Congratulations Thom for this 10th channelversary 🎉 ... Keep doing it, I like it very much, excellent job! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words!
Congratulations to well deserved anniversary!!
I am so glad that your channel exists. You have experiences in many cultural areas where trains are relevant, so you can provide more detailed and multifaceted views to us. I don't think many youtubers can do that. Congratulations!
Thanks, that means a lot to me!
Thank you so much for what you do! I love your channel.
Thanks!!
Thank you Thom!
Trains are Awesome!!
Congrats on 10 years
🎉 🥳🎊🎈🎁
It’s a party!!!
Congratulations on 10 years Thom! Here's to another 10 years! I'm thinking about you as I ride a 3000 Series on the Washington Metro Red Line.
Thank you!
Step back, doors closing.
Congratulations on ten years. Your videos are both entertaining and educational. Thank you for providing excellent content. All the best to you.
Proficiaat voor tien jaar TRA, Thom!
I grew-up outside of Chicago, had grandparents in Michigan (took the Blue Water all the time to East Lansing), moved to DC as an adult, and have been learning Dutch for years now. Your channel was made for my algorithm. Not only do I love TRA because of the quality and the variety of transit systems all over the world, but it's been so fun to see you discover some of the same trains and transit systems I either grew-up on or have visited and ridden over the years. I love getting the different perspectives on Amtrak in Michigan, Metra and the CTA, and all of the DC systems that you provide.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you!!! I love exploring stuff that’s new to me
Congrats to 10 years of the channel Thom! I started watching your channel this year as a means to learn about what’s going on in DC and to learn about Amtrak. I found your channel and ended up in a rabbit hole I’m forever grateful for. You and your many fellow RUclipsrs have inspired me to travel more, and understand the importance of Trains, Streetcars, Metros, and Buses!
So I agree, Trains are Awesome and also Thom is Awesome!
Thank you!! I love hearing stories like this
Happy 10th. Anniversary to trains are awesome! Cheers to more decades to come! I hope you visit Philippines one time. Me & my friends in the railfan community are very happy to guide you here. 🇵🇭❤️
I love the trolley museum! My grandfather volunteered there for years and I used to go all the time growing up :)
Congratulations and thank you for a great channel!
Happy 10 years of Trains. I love trains, mostly commuter trains and regional trains.
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! Hoping that the next ten find you doing more of the same and continuing to be awesome!
Thank you so much!
Happy 10 years! I am looking forward to your channel growth in the future!
Thanks, I am too!
Congratulations on 10 years of TRA! I've enjoyed your videos for almost two years. I appreciate your coverage of city systems which were a great help when me and my husband visited DC and Denver. Happy Holidays to you and Lindsey! Here's to the next 10 years. Cheers!
Hope you had great trips!
Congratulations!
I love your channel, and this video also provided a wonderful timeline that finally resolved all my questions I had about your personal background (I'm too nosy, sorry!).
wow what an awesome summary of TAA, Congrats, and keep up the great videos. Love each and every one. Best of everything, Thom, Lindsay and Bear.
Thank you for the very kind words :)
Happy 10th Anniversary to TRA channel, Tom! When I subscribed to the channel I cincerely thought you were a chicagoan. 😊 It is amazing that you are able to produce an international channel without leaving the US! Congratulations and the warmest greetings from a tram fan in St.Petersburg, Russia!
Have a merry Christmas!
Brilliant channel thom,having worked on public transport all my life,now disabled watching your video's keeps me in touch with, what's happening, love it greetings from England.
Thanks for your comment :) hopefully I can come to England someday soon
Congrats to your 10 years of having this channel! Hope to run into you one of these days. Was hoping to see ya in CHI as I do make it there often!
Trains are awesome! And 10 years of this channel is also awesome! This was a great video and it's been a great few years, I've been following you for less than half (perhaps only 2-4 years), but those years have been full of some awesome videos. Thanks Thom!
Also, it's been great to see your channel gradually grow to where it is today and I can't wait to see it grow even more! The videos you make just keep getting bigger and better!
I’m excited for what the future holds!
Congrats on your accomplishment! Formerly of GR and now in sunny (and slightly) warmer Florida.
Congratulations Thom on the 10 year anniversary of Trains Are Awesome ( couldn't agree more). I've been subscribed to your channel for 2 years and I always enjoyed the content. It's fun and educational. Keep up the great work and may you have another successful 10 years.❤
So happy to bring you joy!
Happy 10 Year Anniversary!
Thank you so much!!
Congrats on 10 years! You never disappoint with your videos, and they have been a great window into various global transport networks. I think it’s pretty safe to say that you’ve been a huge inspiration to smaller transit content creators, and I know you’ll keep making amazing videos in the future! Here’s to the next ten years! Thanks for making the awesome content that you do!
Congrats to you on your recent milestone as well!
@@Thom-TRA Thank you so much! That means a lot, coming from you!
Congratulations, Thom - you've contributed so much in the 10 years, and looking very much forward to the next 10!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! Your videos have always been unique since they’re a Goldilocks combination between video essays (analysis) and live action (riding the trains, etc.).
Thank you! I quite like my style :)
I only recently came to subscribe to your channel. I found you because of your trip between Chicago and Milwaukee, and I subbed so I could see all the videos when they came out. I'm so glad I did, because now I've been able to see so many trains from all around the world. One thing I saw here was a video about Saint Louis Metro Link, and which station to really get off at for the arch. By the time that video came out, I had already booked a trip to Saint Louis, so I followed in your footsteps on the Metro Link.
I love to hear it!
happy 10th anniversary!
it is amazing to see how so many different systems complete a common goal that is: transporting passengers, and getting them where they need to go.
ever since I was a kid, I have always been intrigued by rail vehicles of all types, subways and trams old and new and vintage, from Caltrain's new EMU's to METRA's older gallery cars, you have done an amazing job with these detailed videos.
Trains ARE awesome!
Thank you! There's still lots more to come!
Happy anniversary ! Well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed your update. Good to see Lindsey, and I wish you both much happy travelling in 2025, and a very merry Christmas to you both. Oh, and I do like watching trains at L’Enfant in DC !
Thanks for all your great comments over the years. I will let you know whenever I am in London.
Hey Thom Congrats on 10 years. What an awsome achievement. Very well done all the best in the future
Thank you so much, you're very kind!
Happy 10th Anniversary, Thom! Keep up the good work 👏.
Thanks! Will do!
Congrats on the channels birthday
22:55 if you look closely, you might notice a certain locomotive in this consist. Any viewers who grew up in the 70s and 80s who lived in Virginia or further south will appreciate it. As much as I hate seeing my own face, I love seeing this and everyone else's contribution to this event. Almost like one big family here.
Your video was great!
Congrats Thom! Proud of you man. The song that caleb made was actually fire 🔥🔥. Also your story with the intro horn sound was so cute and awesome! Thats definetly something special. Keep up the great content! 👍 🎉
Thank you! I was so surprised when he sent me the song!
Happy 10 year birthday more subscribers are in the future.
I hope so!
Real stuff, Thom ,,, and honest, too. We really appreciate your hard work …and your care for your community.
Congratulations. I enjoy your videos and the detailed, accurate information you include. Best wishes for many more years.
Appreciate it!
Congrats on 10 years!!!
Thank you!
Happy 10 years on RUclips
Thank you!
@Thom-TRA your welcome
I came to your channel within the last year, but I have binged all of your content, because well its all awesome. I hope that you can continue to put out this amazing content!
I’m planning on it!
Happy Anniversary for 10 years of Trains are Awesome. This channel is awesome because you are doing something you have passion for and of course you are simply awesome. Here's to many more years Thom!
Awwww 😊😊
Congrats on 10 years!!! Here's to many more! 🥳🥳
Many many more!
Such a wholesome and entertaining video, as always. Happy 10th anniversary Thom!
Awe thank you!
Love to see this awesome video and looking forward to more train videos from around the world. Congratulations and good health for you, Lindsey and your families! Groeten, Ralf
Bedankt! De groeten terug!
Thom, you well deserve all this praise for all the fascinating and brilliant content. I was first intrigued when two of my passions unexpectedly came together in one of your earlier vids and I subscribed then. The music you played behind some of those already well-made I recognised from my worship life and so combined with the train content was bound to catch my attention! Long may you, Lindsay and Bear entertain us. UK Viewer.
Wow, you’ve been around for a long time!
Congratulations on 10 wonderful years!! I actually just realized my own channel turned 10 on September 16th and I hadn't noticed 😅 I enjoy and appreciate the work and effort you put into these videos, and I always come away learning something new when I watch them. Keep up the greatness, buddy, and here's to another 10+ years of Trains Are Awesome!
Wow, we’re the seniors club over here! 😂
@@Thom-TRA I'll get the shuffleboard stick and the Amtrak playing cards 😅
@@Thom-TRAnow that I think about it, I've been in this hobby for almost 30 years now and I've seen a complete generational change and it's so odd to experience. The new generation looks up to mine because we either worked with the equipment they grew up riding, or saw them freshly delivered and brand new. It's so wild to experience and you're gonna experience it too someday.
Congrats
Thanks!!
It would be a nice thing if you could make a video about the different types of train signals for different light rail, streetcar, and heavy rail systems signal lights. These are the different signal lights that are not only regular traffic lights but they are specific to the train system itself. For example, UTA Utah Transit Authority has some different white lights that let the driver which way they will be going. The white light is in a rectangular shape. If the white light is vertical that means that the trains are allowed to go through through an intersection. If the light is horizontal that means that the train cannot proceed through an intersection. If the light is on an angle that means that the train is going to be changing tracks and or is turning in a certain direction around a curve. When the light rail first started there was the same light system but the color of the signals would be an amber color. This also indicated that the light rail car was going to a certain destination. Back in the day when TRAX stated you would transfer at the 300 S and Main Street location to go the the University of Utah. Now this amber-colored signal is now words. This would be a great starting point to show that your channel is continuing to go into the future.
Congratulations! your channel is underrated, keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!
Many congratulations. Looking forward to the next 10.
Many thanks, me too!
Happy 10th anniversary Thom!!! Please come back to Boston sometime soon! I want to see more MBTA videos!
I’ve got two more coming in the next few months!
@@Thom-TRAAwsome! Can’t wait!
Congratulations on the 10th anniversary. It's great to see the way your channel has grown just in the last few years since I joined your channel while you were living here in Chicago. Best of luck going forward for you and your lovely wife.
Thanks for always coming back with your insightful commentary! 😊
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary of your channel!!! As you know, we enjoy your channel very much!!! We found you during the pandemic in 2020. I know we were subscribers long before you went live on the Chicago lakefront to celebrate I believe 7000 (?) subscribers if my memory serves me correctly. We enjoy all of your videos, but some highlights include the little train that runs in the basement of the Capitol, the long distance rides you took with Bear and Lindsay, but probably most of all the Metra and CTA holiday train video. Thank you for all you do to bring us the awesome trains you ride, and we wish you many many more years of your channel, no matter where life leads you- hopefully to being the president of Amtrak or the head of some major transit system!!! 😀🚂🚝🚄🚅🚈🚆🚇😀
Thanks for all the love and support over the years!
Congratulations Thom. Love your channel.
Thank you :)
I just discovered your channel this year. I really enjoy the form and the tone of your videos: friendly and informative! ❤ I think my favorite video of yours is the one about improving the Northeast Regional train service. The changes you proposed would be transformative for that service. Greetings from Stockholm.
I’m so glad to find someone who actually appreciated that video
@Thom-TRA I've lived in the DC area twice, for a total of about nine years, and in Brooklyn for two years. I have a pretty strong appreciation for the Northeast Regional, and there's definitely room for improvement. If Amtrak ever has the money, they should do what you outlined. (I roughly estimate that your plan would double the number of trains on the service, and I don't think Amtrak can afford that today, sadly.)
Congrats on 10 years. I think I found you right around the time you were moving to DC. I'm a sucker for DC content that is actually positive. So, I love your videos. After living in the NoVA suburbs for 17 years, I finally live in DC proper. And since DC seems to be such a small town at heart, I'll probably see you around one of these days.
Hard not to be positive about the direction WMATA is headed in! DDOT, eh, not so much...
@@Thom-TRA agreed. I mostly rely on buses, so I'm looking forward to some of the updates & expanded service on some of the lines I use.
But, it feels like the bike lanes & traffic calming projects from DDOT are petering out, after some real progress was made.
Congratulations. You've kept me engaged with your excellent content.
I’m glad to hear it!
Congratulations on your anniversary.
Congrats on 10 years and keep going into the future trains are and always will be awesome
Congratulations on the 10 years TRA. I enjoy your presentation and the information and history that goes with the footage. Your videos take the viewer on a journey and that's what I love about trains. Sure, the goal of a train is to transport people to their destinations but I also enjoy the journey that goes with it, whether it's a journey that you do once or one that you've done hundreds of times. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy being an operator. Anyways I'm rambling lol; here's to another ten years for your channel and beyond; continue to do what you love and make Train's Awesome. May you and Lindsey be blessed and stay safe on the rails 🚊
Thank you so much for your kind words :)
I did not get around to leaving a comment for your video, but I just wanted to say that your channel is probably one of my favorite channels on RUclips. I have been watching your videos for the past three possibly even four years and have learned so much from you. I hope to visit the trolley museum someday. Didn’t even realize that existed. My favorite video was when you visited Manassas. I was so blown away and never imagined you would ever be in my city. Here’s to another 10 years.
I’m so happy to hear this!
Congrats Thom! 🥳
I’m OBSESSED with the Lego people
@Thom-TRA Same, Thom. Cheers!
Congratulations! I enjoy watching your videos and learn so much.
I'm so glad! Thank you!
Just keep getting better, greater, awesomer 🥳
Thanks for your contribution!
Congratulations on 10 years of great content - Looking forward to the next 10. TRA!!
Congratulations on 10 years of making train videos! Trains definitely ARE awesome!
Yes they are!!
Congratulations Thom i love your content you're my favourite youtuber and I'm so happy for you I've been watching you since you had like 20k subs
That’s a while ago!
@Thom-TRA yea over a year ago
Congrats...10 years...keep it going
Will do!
Happy 10 years on RUclips Thom!
Thank you!!
Congratulations, it's a great achievement
Great retrospective! Please keep up the good work. 🎉
Thanks! Will do
In case you are curious, there is a short line in New Mexico called the "RailRunner" named after the state bird the roadrunner. It runs from Belin through Albuquerque, to Santa Fe, and back. Belin has a large rail yard that fuels locomotives and bypasses the Rocky Mountains on the lower side, connecting straight west to California, and east to Texas. The graphics are pretty cool but really, it's not very useful as the RailRunner doesn’t connect with any line outside New Mexico. Amtrak does go through Albuquerque though. I was spoiled when I lived in Southern Germany and could take so many trains, even taking the Orient Express at one time from Ulm to Munchen. Trains are pretty cool and I enjoy watching them. But, a train should really make getting places easier. As you have figured out by now that is sadly not currently a part of how America views transportation.