A recent publication spoke of a changing of the guard in leadership at Steamtown. Apparently, things have been moving at a snail's pace and flashbacks to dieseltown have occured since none of the operating steamers are ever online all at the same time. Also, some criticism on marketing and advertising was alluded to. Anybody want to comment?

cpresc1003@aol.com

> A recent publication spoke of a changing of
> the guard in leadership at Steamtown.
> Apparently, things have been moving at a
> snail's pace and flashbacks to dieseltown
> have occured since none of the operating
> steamers are ever online all at the same
> time. Also, some criticism on marketing and
> advertising was alluded to. Anybody want to
> comment?
Well we know a change in management would not hurt? Only IF it will help the equipment to be restored, only if? costmellily? BUT I would like to see, WHAT could be done IF, the FEDS, could hand out the money. But this is only a WHAT IF.

cherif@mediaone.net

Hello All

The word on the street is that sweeping changes are imminent. Its clear something must be done. Visitation at Steamtown is down 16% from last year, and last years visitation was down 10% from the year before that. Many popular programs, like cab tours, caboose rides and hand car demo's have all been axed in recent memory. Now only one engine is running. Steam will run at Steamtown only ONE day next week due to crew and equipment shortages. Next Fridays excursions are cancelled. This marks the first time that Steamtown has cancelled regular excursions due to an expected lack of equipment. It would seem as though the hour of reckoning is upon them. Will be interesting...

Dave Crosby

Scrantontrains
bing@epix.net

Hello all:

> Steam will run at Steamtown only ONE day next week due to crew and equipment shortages.

This begs 2 questions.

1) Is my assumption that steam on a July weekend will happen going to be correct? (have never been there; hope to go this July 14/15)

2) I had made some inquiries into volunteering, but was put off by the percieved red tape. Is this really a problem, or did I ask someone on a bad day? (inquired last fall)

Thanks;

John Stewart
john.stewart@crc.ca

john.stewart@crc.ca

Here's 2 answers:

Steam SHOULD run all July 4 week, call 570-340-5204 to confirm times destinations etc....

It can be VERY tough to get answers on volunteering. Like visitation, volunteer numbers have been dropping in recent years. Contact name at Steamtown for volunteering is Leslie Spurlock

Hope this Helps

Dave Crosby

Scrantontrains
bing@epix.net

Well, to all those out there who thinks that government intervention is a good thing, I guess this is pretty damning evidence that whatever Washington touches is generally ruined.

Enjoy your tax cut while it lasts and put the money you save toward doing some restoration work. And don't count on the Feds for anything.

I am proud to state that not one cent of funding that we get for preservation work comes from any form of government. There might be some money out there that we could tap, but its a matter of principle to me that we don't.

rickrailrd@aol.com

> Well, to all those out there who thinks that
> government intervention is a good thing, I
> guess this is pretty damning evidence that
> whatever Washington touches is generally
> ruined.

> Enjoy your tax cut while it lasts and put
> the money you save toward doing some
> restoration work. And don't count on the
> Feds for anything.

> I am proud to state that not one cent of
> funding that we get for preservation work
> comes from any form of government. There
> might be some money out there that we could
> tap, but its a matter of principle to me
> that we don't.

Well, I don't know Rick and/or what kind of burden he or his group shoulders, but I do know that railway preservation, next to aircraft, is probably the most expensive type of preservation work you can do.

For all of the fussing we do here in North Carolina, I think that the key is a strong vibrant state agency and a entrepreneural non-profit working together to make things happen. The key isn't pure non-profit, but a partnership you can live with.

Jim


http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

Fine Rick, next time they offer you money please send them on down to see me - I am not that proud I won't take it and put it to good use.

Dave (registered libertarian but practical)

irondave@bellsouth.net

I hope this tax cut is better than Reagan's. When it went into effect, I began bringing home $10 a week less, as he phased in Tier II Railroad Retirement payments at the same time..


bobyar2001@yahoo.com