IC382:
You say the knowledgeable people know what's going on - the problem with that is unless you're part of a small clique you don't know what's going on. We're not tearing down the BR&W or #60, we're trying to find out what's going on with the operation since the website hasn't had any regular updates (the last one was in October). And it's expressly said on their website to not contact them for anything about #60 and that info pertaining to it's operation and such is all on the website. Really - how much effort does it take to update a website? If they did so then people wouldn't come here asking questions.

Would you have us all join hands and sing Kumbaya and pretend all is well?

I used to sing the praises of BR&W and their steam operation as one that knew it's stuff and ran a smooth operation like Strasburg does (and unlike Steamtown but that's for another thread) so yes, I can build it up when it's warranted.

It is a little after 7am, Having my second cup of coffee and getting ready to put on my dirty cloths and head to Ringoes to work on LV 112 with 60 inside on the adjacent track.

I'll be there most of the day, getting dirty, cold, probable trow a tool or two. jackn2mpu, your local, you or any one else is welcome to come down and see whats going on.

IC392 hit the nail on the head, thanks.

If we could convert some of this chat room BS to energy ALL vintage equipment would be bright and shinny!!!!!

Moderators please lock this thread before I jump out my cellar window!

Scott Kwiatkowski
OMG, New Jersey

Yes, I am local and could come down to see what's going on but that doesn't jibe with what's on the website about not contacting the railroad or Society about info on #60 and to rely on the website.

Any way I can see I made a mistake about even entering this thread. I'm out of here. And unlike Ahnold I won't be back.

I think what it comes down to is put up or shut up! If you want to know what is going on, GO HELP! Sounds like they could use the help. You might not be able to help with the locomotive but work on the web site, clean the toilets, paint a car or what ever. The point is that they are a volunteer organization. Sounds like they need all the good help they can get. Go help in any way you can.

DBH

Thanks Scott.

It isn't warm outside today at all! I got a chuckle out of seeing the initial response to my reply.

Steam locomotives, coaches, etc. do not exist for the sole enjoyment of railfans. They exist for everyone. Organizations are not bound by railfans' desires to discover information or speculate based on silence.

I don't call my family before I make business decisions or major purchases; I simply do what is best for me and count on my family to accept my choices.

Steam/Railroad Organizations/Railroads make business and equipment choices/purchases everyday based on what will work best in their situation. They should not have to answer to any railfan or average customer to make their decisions.

Railfans should support their hobby and accept what comes their way!

Stay warm over there in Jersey. Manhattan feels like an icebox this morning.

It's their railroad and theirs to do with as they please, would you deny them that? If it bugs you, go volunteer, if not at the BR&W then whatever is closest to you. If you are not involved, you are only going to get what people tell you, and if they don't have the time to tell you, then you're out of luck.

The great scourge of the Internet is that everybody expects updates about their favorite causes all the time and want answers to their questions RIGHT NOW. That makes the Internet a great tool for building a brand and keeping up awareness but don't, for an instant, think it's easy as pie.

Given the time of year we are at, and that the BR&W is a volunteer operation, and that internet skills are not evenly divided amongst us all, you really ought to be happy they they are spending their time in railroad preservation at all. Count your blessings! Maybe you could be their internet liaison?

Still, if you are interested in what's going on, say because you're going to visit and possibly leave a generous donation based on their progress, then e-mail them and ask. If you expect a healthy website to be the basis of making those healthy donations,then see the above. I've been involved with an operation that doesn't put up any information at all, just the fares and nothing else. Should more information for railfans (who don't make up much of their market) be their job? No. Would it help? Yes. But for them, it's complicated, and most folks don't know the story, nor do they need to.

One other scourge of the Internet is that it is an immense time sink, robbing volunteer time and interest from everything else in society, and we are the poorer for it sometimes. It is a good reason to turn off the computer and go out and do something, rather than living vicariously through the accounts of those who are.

Have fun and enjoy the holidays.

Michael Seitz
Missoula MT

Cool it, guys! This about whether a very beloved locomotive runs during cold weather, or if we'll have to wait until Spring. Put it in perspective and get civil with each other. In the meanwhile, we know good things are coming. How's about toning the discussion down to a discussion?

OK, for those interested the last time I saw 60, and in service some years back.
Ed K. cp Laurel Run

For those interested, the BR&W has a customer survey up on their website (for those of you who haven't already taken it) regarding future operations and the BRRHT. Here's the link for those of you who want to take the survey!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFA0UDFYOXZERDNQYTBsdkdkQmdlN2c6MQ#gid=0

It takes a certain amount of time and energy (at least mental energy) to keep a website up to date. Often a volunteer organization will have one person who's really into Internet, and as long as he or she is keeping the site updated, the website will be "humming" and drawing praise. Then the site keeper moves away, has "day job" duties increase by a major factor or it outherwise unavailable. The other members may be good at installing boiler tubes or adjusting brake rigging, but a computer keyboard is terra incognita. So let's cut the folks some slack--maybe they're better at "doing" than "reporting". I don't know what the story is at BR&W, being about 2500 miles away, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt, and those who can't make the scene very often can send some $$$ to help speed the process.

BR&W #60 was pulled out of the building where her restoration has been ongoing. During the week the wheels under the tender will be replaced.

some more from 5-7-11

Didn't they test steam the 60 a few months ago?

No, There has not been a test steam up of #60 yet. One will be scheduled after the tender wheels are changed.