Yes, Cliff.
Yes it is. Sigh….
According to Herself and a friend, we (the cult) also have a secret handshake that simulates a drive rod on a locomotive accompanied by whispering Choo-choo-choo while looking around.
It’s become quite embarrassing. When catching up with friends, I can no longer shake hands. Even complete strangers appear to have been briefed on the alleged Secret Handshake of the Society of LargeScale Centralia. I recently found a set of instructions under a placemat at a party.
The LargeScale Centralian Secret Handshake
1. The Coupling
- Face your counterpart square-on, feet planted as if on the footplate.
- Grasp right hands firmly—this is not a limp-wristed affair.
Elbows remain slightly bent. You are now “pinned at the crank.”
2. The Main Crank Rotation
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Keeping hands clasped, begin a smooth forward-and-down arc, followed immediately by a back-and-up return.
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The motion should be elliptical, not circular—think main crank at quarter gear, not stirring soup.
-
Repeat this motion twice, maintaining steady cadence. No jerking. No racing. Steam likes rhythm.
3. The Exhaust Release
- Finish with a gentle downward squeeze, release hands cleanly, and step half a pace back.
- Optionally exhale sharply through the nose—
chuff—but only among trusted company.
Notes for Authenticity
- Tempo should feel like a freight engine starting a heavy train: deliberate, confident, unstoppable.
- If performed correctly, bystanders will sense purpose without understanding why.
- If both parties smile at the same moment during Step 3, you’ve found your people.
Cliff, I’m not a hugging sort of person, but it’s now my default greeting purely to avoid the handshake.
But you know the funny thing is… I can easily picture In my mind, Hollywood, Sean, and Lou arguing about how the handshake should be done, while Bruce & Todd just shake their heads and mutter GHA amateurs 
.
