By Monty Siekerman

15 with Jim Sexton...

Why do you video tape trains coming through Ada at the Railroad Depot Park?
I've always been interested in trains, ever since growing up in Ada. I now live in Bluffton?
 
What do you do with the tapes?
I edit them and put then online for others to see.

Who watches the tapes?
Train enthusiasts. There are clubs and individuals who are interested in seeing the videos. We view, and sometimes share, tapes we have taken.

How do you know when a train is coming?
I have a radio that picks up train conversation. A train from Lima will be here in 10 minutes. It is carrying ethanol. There seem to be a lot of ethanol trains now, maybe it's the time of year when refineries produce more ethanol. There are not as many oil trains from the West nowadays since the price of oil is low and producers have cutback temporarily.

Do you have model railroad trains at home?
Yes, I might be considered a "model train hoarder."

What happens when the train goes by?
I take a few still photos, turn on the video camera and run...I don't like to be near ethanol trains, too dangerous if there is an accident or derailment.

He was right on...the train barrelled through Ada at the time he predicted..he started the video, took a couple of still photos, then got out of there.