"Most of it isn't in service anymore. But there's a few hundred miles that run in our original trackbeds - mostly in the Sierras, where blasting new ones would be a pain even with modern equipment. There's even one passenger train that takes our route about a hundred miles, from central Nevada to Sacramento - gorgeous stretch, all desert and mountains. The actual equipment's been replaced, of course, but there are abandoned parts where you can see the old work. Perfectly preserved in the dry air." His mouth quirks into a small smile.

"You boys would be something else on a road trip, I bet. I'd love to show you."