First off, let me state that I'm a veteran, and served on active duty in the U.S. Army from March of 1969 to October of 1979. Though I was enlisted (SSG E-6 by the time I left the service), I still have some friends among the officer corps, including a Major General (Infantry) with whom I went to college.

It was he who apprised me of a project called "The Yellow Ribbon Train". Someone, and I have no idea who as my friend would NOT say, is trying to get the Department of Defense to shell out something like $40 million dollars to restore a steam locomotive, prepare a special train, and run it around the country to "honor vets".

He thinks that it has little chance of approval, and much as I love steam locomotives, I fervently hope he's right. As a veteran, I'd much rather see the DOD adequately fund Veterans Homes, Veterans Hospitals, and do other things for vets which it cannot now do because of the cost of the Iraq war. Spending $40M on somebody's "Steam Dream" under any guise is contemptible at best.

Regards,
Doug

I whole heartily agree, I am taxed enough for rediculous things the government should not be funding. To fund this would be a gross inapproriate use of tax dollars!

And to any member of Congress who would support such an effort may I quote Mr. Horatio Bunce "It is not yours to give!" ". . .when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security for the people."


LINK

The Yellow Ribbon Express is my project and it is not yet at a stage where it is ready to be taken public.
Suffice it for now to say that your General freind has it completely wrong on the funding front. The project will be funded(if it succeeds) entirely in the private sector.
I look forward to being able to say more publically by years end.
Thanks,Ross Rowland

Sounds more like an idiotic rumor mill item or urban legend to me.

It's entirely possible, however, that what's being proposed here could instead be simply a request for the DoD's approval to operate a privately-funded train of this sort, wearing or carrying certain military emblems, etc. with DoD blessings and serving as a rallying point for........ well, I'll sidestep politics and the like here today, thanks.

But it's not like anyone has ever pulled together a cross-continent steam-powered excursion/exhibit train, is it? <:-D

Edit: I guess I should be donning a Carnak the Magnificent turban, eh?

Why restore any engine when there are plenty of big power engines scattered across the country that could handle any train?

May I respectfully suggest that rather than banter around with baseless innuendoes,rumors,half truths and other wastes of time, that everyone practice a little patience/retraint until I'm able to share the project with all of you?
I'm absolutely confident that when I'm able to do so you'll find it very easy to become an active supporter.
No one wants to "go public" more than I-so rest assurred that all of us involved will make that happen ASAP.
Thanks for your understanding!
Ross Rowland

Gentlemen,

I just deleted two posts, one because it containeda flame, and the second when it quoted the flame. Let's bank this fire now before I have to lock the topic.

Thanks,
Kevin

A quiet Ross is a planning Ross. I wondered what was up your sleeve during the last year or so! Can't wait to hear the details.

Rob

Ross, I did not know that this was your project. I wish you all the luck in the world with it, now that I know it is not publicly funded. I still dislike the idea (as a veteran) because the money spent could have better been donated to help homeless veterans, provide PTSD counseling, assist the Disabled American Veterans and a host of other things that would actually benefit veterans.

We get plenty of recognition, we just don't get much help when its needed. I've mentioned this to a few friends who are veterans and their reaction is similar to mine.

Nonetheless, good luck.

Doug.

BUT, Ross, going off half-cocked is so much fun!

I can't wait to hear what you have planned - and - FULL STEAM ahead.

(BTW - if you need a place to park a restored steam locomotive after the event, may I offer Campo, CA?)

Ross,

If you don't want this project to go public, why are there photos on your web site showing you holding an poster for *your* "Yellow Ribbon Express" project, with an drawing of the 614 renumbered to 911?



So more of less Ross is trying to get other people to pay for the rebuild of HIS privately owned steam locomotive.

I've been hearing that Ross has also been trying to get corporate sponsorship with possible advertising on the locomotive and or train.

I also agree with the comment that the money could be better spent, I think it would also be an disgrace to those who have served and those who have died, with an project to honor those and have the train covered in advertisements.

-Switchman

With all due respect Switchman you seem to have lept at the chance to deride Rowland rather than read the above posts that explain the funding is not coming from the military and that anyone who wishes can attempt to get corporate sponsorship for their operation (whether they get it or not is another matter.)

Furthermore, photos of a proposed poster design being held on a website with little or no content to explain it does not exactly constitute "going public."

Rowland has been approached by several within the community to consider making changes to the poster and leaving 614 with it's original number. I am not supporting or criticizing the Yellow Ribbon Train concept, but I imagine he'll take concerns like ours into consideration. I imagine he and others like us will realize it's better to sidestep politics in this circumstance and simply support those who are willing to serve their country, regardless of reasons or wants or partisanship.

So, let's retard the flame, put up the blue lights, get off the "let's be quick to criticize" bandwagon and talk a little preservation or just how such an effort like the Yellow Ribbon Train could illustrate the roles that the railroads once played in armed conflict.

Just take the 611 (The nicest Northern ever built IMHO) turn the 6 upsidedown and you have 911! :-)

Bravo Greg!!!! I agree 100%. Being from Roanoke, 614's problem is that it belonged to that "other" RR.......:)

Is there a worthwhile chance that donations to this effort could become "seed" money that produce much more help for veterans than the original amount?