Clickety-Clack, Clickety Clack

April 24, 2026

Funny how I can still remember bits and pieces of the Song of the Train by David McCord that we read somewhere in elementary school, "clickety clack, clickety clack, clickety, clackety, clickety, clack.

While in the Strasburg, PA, area, we took advantage Strasburg Railroad's behind-the-scenes tours as well as the train ride. Our friends, Glen and Tanna, joined us for the adventure. 

Harold and Glen joined the train crew as they geared up for the day, assisting with firing up the engine and the maintenance checks. After the ride we toured the maintenance shop. No photos allowed in the maintenance shop as they have a number of private contracts for steam engine and railcar refurbishing. Those contracts often run into the millions of dollars. Strasburg Railroad's maintenance shop is one of very few specialized facility with dedicated workers.

Where Are We Going Next?

Tick Tock Tick Tock

April 22, 2026

Leaving Virginia after a week with family, we stopped in Elizabethtown, PA, for a week. The idea was to spend time in Amish country, relaxing for a week. Within a day though, we had several activities planned. 

Our first stop was the clock museum. The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors has a museum in Columbia, PA. They have over 13,000 items and currently display about 3% of their collection.

The sound is what strikes you first. The gentle tick tock of the clocks somehow calms. Then you start noticing the different movements. Pendulums, plates, clock hands, and gears all run with precise movements. 

Different and impressive, this museum is definitely worth a stop when you're in the area.

Eberman Tower Clock 1784

Thoughts?

Clock Tower Clocks

Grand Statuary Clock

Rose Engine

Advertising clocks

Machine for making watch screws

Guinness World Record - Most Accurate Mechanical Clock

Where Are We Going Next?