The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Railroad Ghost

A true story about a train that was running through a
very thick fog one night with several VIP's aboard
including Queen Victoria. The engineer wanted to
make his run in record time. Suddenly up ahead he
thought he saw a black cloaked figure who was waving
him to stop. The engineer did so but could find no one
but decided to further investigate. He went up further
ahead and to his surprise and horror he found that
the bridge had washed out. After the bridge was repaired
and the engineer had made it home did he solve the mystery;
he found moth stuck to the engine's headlamp as to appear to
be a figure waving to stop, saving all, including the Queen.

Submitter comment: This was told at a swapping of ghost stories at a
Halloween party. Roy waved his arms like a moth would.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROCHESTER HILLS

Date learned: 00001980S