I wonder if the Rail Preservation movement isn't missing the boat by not seeking to get a RAIL PRESERVATION series of commemorative stamps published by the United State Postal Service? All kinds of commemoratives have been issued; comic book characters, quilts, veggies, antique motorcycles, dogs, baseball players, butterflies, flowers, modern architecture, historic automobiles, etc. I can even recall in the past, a block of historic preservation stamps. But none on Rail Preservation per se. I wonder if now isn't the time to start lobbying the Postal Service for an INITIAL block of stamps honoring our industry. Although there are a number of subjects that could be chosen, I first see a block of steam locomotives. One stamp showing a locomotive being cut up with a note that "xx,000 steamers were scrapped". The second in the block showing an engine in a park and the third and fourth showing locomotives as restored by a museum, locomotive restoration group or tourist railroad. It is not important to determine which particular locomotives now, but rather to get the process started, since the decision, as I understand it, takes some time. Individual locomotives can be determined later along with how the individual engines are to be chosen and by whom.

If the series is popular (as will be determined by the stamp buying public), then I can forsee future blocks of these stamps. Streetcar/interurbans, buildings (depots/towers/etc.), passenger cars, diesels, signals, and even freight cars would all be possible subjects.

A good idea, or not?

Les

A good idea but perhaps not original. I would have to look but the USPS did print a series of four railroad stamps about 12 years ago plus or minus. IRM was the host location for the first day of issue, and the asst sec'y of transportation was among the dignitaries. We staged a special event with the steamed up Russian Decapod nose to nose with the Silver Pilot and Zephyr train. At that magic moment, the trains each backed away a few feet to reveal the new designs and speakers platform.

That little PO in Union set up a special substation for sales in our depot and they said it broke all records for stamp sales in that small town. That series is virtually unremarked today.

Seems there was another set of 4 featuring trolley cars 15 years earlier and if not mistaken, Seashore Trolley Museum hosted the First Day event for those.

Bob Kutella

Bob -

I remember a set of steam locomotive stamps. Also one of streetcars. None mentioned Railroad Preservation, nor what volunteers have done over the last few decades to restore equipment, buildings, signals, etc. Maybe my memory is failing me though, so if I'm wrong, please let me know.

Les

Well it sounds like a good idea to me. Anything to improve visibility of past and present efforts is good.

Interesting coincidence. On the North Shore yahoo group they are talking about producing a stamp or set of stamps commemorating the 50th year of abandonment of the line. Mitch Markovitz has indicated his interest in the project. At least an Electroliner and standard car could be shown, if not a few paint schemes and early equipment....

Given the lead time to produce a new stamp (a year is not uncommon), it seems we are way too late to commemorate something that's anniversary was this week.

Bob Kutella

Bob is right, you need a looooong lead time between proposing a design and its eventual acceptance and issue.

Though on a smaller scale, you can have a commemorative cancellation for special events arranged through your local post office. Even that can take 6 or so months after starting the process.

And here is an image of the four trolley stamps issued in 1983 that were referred to earlier: .

Its been 45 years since abandonment, not 50 yet. My math on that gives 5 years to the event, should be enough time to get the approvals then the artwork then the production and the publicity all arranged.