an an "Iron Horse" be a movie star? Several years ago I, along with about 80 other travel journalists, was in Switzerland celebrating the 75th Anniversary of a fantastic train called the Glacier Express. Part of our "Swiss Rail Experience" was visiting a unique steam engine called "The Gletschorn." We'd taken a bus from the Glacier Express (which we re-boarded the following day) to find this little engine, and as we got off our busses we saw why Swiss Tourism wanted us to see this particular steam engine. Waiting on the roundhouse turntable, and occasionally shooting off little bursts of steam, here was this tantalizing, unique little engine. I felt as if Thomas the Tank Engine of literary fame, had come to life before my eyes. The fairytale setting added to the magic of the moment - all around us were green clad, snow peaked mountains that, here and there, showcased bubbling brooks and rushing rivers that gurgled their musical sounds into our hearts and souls. Then too, the crisp mountain air ---- it was so fresh, so invigorating, it made me feel as if I'd enjoyed a marvelous spa treatment. As any steam engine aficionado will tell you, finding a top quality, working steam engine today, is like finding a gold nugget in your backyard. With cameras and videos in hot pursuit, we crowded round the Gletschorn as if she were some famous movie star --- including lots of ooohs and aaahs of excitement. Built with "loving Swiss care" in 1913, she worked in her country of birth until 1947, when she was sold to (of all places!) Vietnam. Because "lines of communication" of the North Vietnamese had to be destroyed by the US military in that war, this plucky little engine was also part of that conflict --- and yes, she was bombed and blitzed, but --- thank goodness --- she survived. Maybe sensing the railroad history of the Gletschorn, in 1990 she returned to Rhone Glacier area of Switzerland, and was put into "a happy and safe retirement."

Our railroad reverie topped out with a ride in 3 classic coaches, as we began a mesmerizing 10 mile journey that transported us into a wonderland of steam, magical scenery, beautiful bridges, and a train ride every one aboard, will remember forever. Called "The Furka Steam Train Adventure," it's at www.furka-bergstrecke.ch. More Swiss information is at www.myswitzerland.com. If you never take another train ride in Europe, I urge you to enjoy this amazing Swiss rail trip, as being the best of the best in steam train magic. (this is another in the series of "John Clayton's Travel With A Difference" stories on www.TravelingBoy.com.

Contact John by email: john@travelingboy.com

John,

As a history and Churchill buff, I found your article to be chilling. I hope someday to make it to the museum. Is the CWR at all part of the Imperial War Museum? I don't know how I missed it in my only trip to London back in 2000.

Thanks again,

Gary Avrech
Santa Monica

Hey Gary....

Yes it is. If you go online and click on the IWM website, you'll find out even more information about this intriguing museum. Thanks for your times and words.

John

John,

Very excited to see your appearance in the Boitano Blog. I don't know who the hell all those Boitanos are, but I know who John Clayton is! Hey, I wrote a note on your column on the Cabinet War Rooms. I'll be a regular reader. I certainly hope all are well and happy on the Peninsula and that all your travels are still terrific.

Ed P

John,

I urge anyone traveling to London to put the Cabinet War Rooms high on their "must see" list. All who've taken my advice have thanked me, just like I thanked you, and do so again, for recommending the museum to me years ago. But then, it's just one of many suggestions of yours, every one brilliant!

Ed, Port St. Lucie, FL