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| 3 footers/big picture/stuff https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3348 |
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| Author: | Rob Davis [ Wed Jun 19, 2002 3:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | 3 footers/big picture/stuff |
Friends, Our little community has a lot to digest at the moment. The #952 debate has media cache, but I have found my thoughts drawn to Chama and Orbisonia as of late. The C&TS folks are in the midst of what has to be a heart-breaking, gut-wrenching Spring. For all the good work and honest effort the new ops have put in, there are outside government forces that have (right or wrong) put stipulations upon the operation at the worst possible time. Of course, the latest is the fear of the little Mikes setting off a fire. For a state where 127,000+ acres have burned, I understand the fear. Now we hear today that not only was the huge Hyman fire set by a forestry worker, it may have been deliberate. Thousands of animals and humans will suffer from this crime by the time it is over. The C&TS is among the victims... Victimized by the crime of the arsonist and by the over-reaction and media hype that has every person of authority looking squash every spark in the state (look out, spark plugs, you're next!) Of course, trains didn't set this fire. A human did. On purpose, perhaps. Result? Stop the trains. What is apparent is that as a ward of the states, the rail line is under-valued and under-appreciated. In a world where ISTEA money has been used for some pretty lame "preservation," the C&TS (which is a national treasure) continually hangs on for dear life. It's not for a lack of supporters, but it seems to be for a lack of money and a lack of priority from the agencies that have an affect on it. Back east in Pennsylvania, we have a contentious trail of broken hope almost as long as #952's. The East Broad Top (which I also include in the national treasure category) continues to limp along facing the ravages of time. In this case, supporters and money have not been able to gel into a long-term fix. I worry that every passing day increases the threat that I'll be sharing photos of the trains with my grandkids and not the EBT experience. I've seen what I believe to be a massive shift in culture away from planning and preservation, leaning dramatically towards a bias based only upon revenue and the potential for riches. I have no evidence to support what I have heard is a decrease in the amount of younger volunteers getting involved in rail preservation. It wouldn't surprise me if it is declining. Without grass roots and political cooperation, we may have seen the zenith of the steam train, at the very least, in the tourism/museum landscape. As insurance and fixed-costs increase, the decline of steam operations may continue unabated. I think we may be near the day where "we" identify certain artifacts currently in under-funded situations as invaluable and get them to safety so that they are not lost forever. This may mean relocation or a focusing of resources, but either way, the big picture is become increasingly more important. Just my $1.98. Rob Davis trains@robertjohndavis.com |
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| Author: | Greg Scholl [ Wed Jun 19, 2002 3:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 3 footers/big picture/stuff |
I agree with the basic jist of your post, and can only add that the C&TS really has never gotten the support from the states it needed to make it strong. Thats not to say the commission and states have not put in what was asked for, but in my opinion, being that the states both own the line, they should pony up for things like capitol improvements(read track and engine repair). If those things every got up to 100%, the the railroad could probably be self-sufficient. With this fire shutdown problem, we are seeing an outcry for declaring the region a disaster area(even though there have been no fires), since the railroad was shut down, and the economic impact is getting worse. My point was that for every 1 million the states would throw at the railroad it probably creates 10 million in revenue for the area in a domino effect. If the region garnishes 50 million, then whats wrong with the states coughing up 5 Million(10%) per annum to put into the physical plant. Its far better than the alternative which is unemployment benefit, and so forth which will cost the states even more! As for the bad situation the C&TS is in, there was not really a problem until Kyle Railways pulled-out. They were a shortline operater(still are), that loved the railroad and operated it at little or no profit, yet had the extra money to keep-up with regular maintenance. Without a "Sugar Daddy" money doesn't grow on trees, unless the states want to be a good landlord and fork over some cash to keep THEIR property in good working order for their tenant. For too long they have tried to reap the benefits of the railroad(economically) without putting much into it, and now 30 years later it is coming back to bite them....My opinion on the matter. Want to help....We have a fundraiser for the C&TS. see the link. It has raised over $2K to date. Greg Scholl enjoy this image while you can and lets hope we see more doubleheaders soon. http://www.gregschollvideo.com/gallery/pic14.html Help the C&TS sales@gregschollvideo.com |
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| Author: | Dave [ Wed Jun 19, 2002 4:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 3 footers/big picture/stuff |
I'd like to think that we are evolving through another cycle in economic and weather conditions and that this too shall pass. Perhaps we as a society will develop the more sophisticated appreciation of industrial heritage and preservation that we are so far behind relative to the UK if we percieve the current threats and react accordingly with greater awareness and support. While I am also anxious about CATS I do not believe it will go away. Both states are well aware of its economic impact in its region and it won't be allowed to die. I do see in my mind a room full of politicians and bureaucrats all madly pointing fingers at each other while trying to find a way out at the other fellows expense and accountability. The EBT problem is currently one of conflicting personalities which will not be resolved as readily. The point about 952 is we haven't even learned how to deal well with each other much less how to deal with outsiders. that's the big red flag from my POV. Dave irondave@bellsouth.net |
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| Author: | K.R. Bell [ Wed Jun 19, 2002 9:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 3 footers/big picture/stuff |
Rob: You are right on the money!! K.R. Bell > Friends, > Our little community has a lot to digest at > the moment. The #952 debate has media cache, > but I have found my thoughts drawn to Chama > and Orbisonia as of late. > The C&TS folks are in the midst of what > has to be a heart-breaking, gut-wrenching > Spring. For all the good work and honest > effort the new ops have put in, there are > outside government forces that have (right > or wrong) put stipulations upon the > operation at the worst possible time. > Of course, the latest is the fear of the > little Mikes setting off a fire. For a state > where 127,000+ acres have burned, I > understand the fear. Now we hear today that > not only was the huge Hyman fire set by a > forestry worker, it may have been > deliberate. Thousands of animals and humans > will suffer from this crime by the time it > is over. > The C&TS is among the victims... > Victimized by the crime of the arsonist and > by the over-reaction and media hype that has > every person of authority looking squash > every spark in the state (look out, spark > plugs, you're next!) > Of course, trains didn't set this fire. A > human did. On purpose, perhaps. Result? Stop > the trains. > What is apparent is that as a ward of the > states, the rail line is under-valued and > under-appreciated. In a world where ISTEA > money has been used for some pretty lame > "preservation," the C&TS > (which is a national treasure) continually > hangs on for dear life. > It's not for a lack of supporters, but it > seems to be for a lack of money and a lack > of priority from the agencies that have an > affect on it. > Back east in Pennsylvania, we have a > contentious trail of broken hope almost as > long as #952's. The East Broad Top (which I > also include in the national treasure > category) continues to limp along facing the > ravages of time. > In this case, supporters and money have not > been able to gel into a long-term fix. I > worry that every passing day increases the > threat that I'll be sharing photos of the > trains with my grandkids and not the EBT > experience. > I've seen what I believe to be a massive > shift in culture away from planning and > preservation, leaning dramatically towards a > bias based only upon revenue and the > potential for riches. > I have no evidence to support what I have > heard is a decrease in the amount of younger > volunteers getting involved in rail > preservation. It wouldn't surprise me if it > is declining. > Without grass roots and political > cooperation, we may have seen the zenith of > the steam train, at the very least, in the > tourism/museum landscape. As insurance and > fixed-costs increase, the decline of steam > operations may continue unabated. > I think we may be near the day where > "we" identify certain artifacts > currently in under-funded situations as > invaluable and get them to safety so that > they are not lost forever. This may mean > relocation or a focusing of resources, but > either way, the big picture is become > increasingly more important. > Just my $1.98. > Rob Davis |
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