Almost 100,000 miles of railroad track criss-crossed America by the 1880s, and this old favorite captures the spirit of this era of the steam train. Enjoy the recording starting with the sound of real steam trains, and then listen for the banjo and a Dixieland band with improvised trumpet, clarinet, and trombone. Your singers can literally let off some steam as they perform the appropriate toots, chugs, honks, and a long whoosh at the end. (from Music K-8, Vol. 6 No. 5)