It is what it is I guess. Overall the NCTM seems to be very well run and I will defer to them to make the correct decision for their organization. It is a little disappointing though.

Maybe they can get one of the Jeddo locomotives there for a while. It's been a couple years.

What makes you say that?

Just the feeling I get as a frequent visitor. Do you have reason to believe otherwise?

The property is an incredible save and preservation success story. The current management and operations is frustrating - the Shay restoration is just the most recent example.

It's honestly a similar situation as the VMT - the bones of the collection are very good and impressive. But bringing in people that want to run an amusement park or special events center is not the way to further preservation.

I'd love to hear your interpretation of what a "special events center" is - because if you have a museum that does not run special events, if you're struggling to get people in the door...said "special events" can bring a lot of eyes and revenue to said museum...

Hey... I thought this thread was specifically on the Shay and NCTM... now that I see the title of this thread I don't want to de-rail it out of respect for Jim and his family.

That's my bad.

ALL NC state operated historic sites and even state parks have been severely cut back in terms of staff and support. That leaves support groups scrambling to help cover the day to day operating needs with volunteers. Keeping the doors open while executing a heavy overhaul is simply too much at the same time, and good management practice is doing exactly what they are doing now - prioritizing based on what's best for the general public.

I’m quite certain that Jim spent his time, money, and resources on the NCTM when he could have spent it more “wisely”