I began riding the Austin & Texas Central Railroad when it was still pulled by steam locomotive 786 in 1998. When it went out of service it felt like something in Central Texas wasn't right, and I missed hearing that steam whistle reverberating all across the area. 20 years later, all the pieces are back in place, ready to be reassembled. But the funds and labor would all be given, and the search to find all that has been difficult. I decided finally in 2019 to begin volunteering and donating money to help bring back our steam locomotive and to keep the railroad going. Since the beginning of the year I've become an Onboard Services volunteer and a regular maintenance volunteer, helping out with projects in the yard. The other volunteers I've met have been amazing, and have welcomed me into the family - and sometimes their homes - in very short order. And watching riders - especially kids - sink into the experience of riding 75 year old railcars has been very gratifying.