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| Victor Koenigsberg https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36661 |
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| Author: | J.David [ Wed May 21, 2014 11:25 am ] |
| Post subject: | Victor Koenigsberg |
Greetings: I just learned that Victor Koenigsberg, Compiler & Editor of "U.S. STEAM LOCOMOTIVE DIRECTORY" died January 8, 2013 from complications following being struck by an auto 12/17/12 in Mason City, Iowa (see obit: 4 March 2013 at http://www.retzfl.com ). He was 70. Victor's Directory was published in August 1967 following over 4 years research done by himself and a group of dedicated steam locomotive historians (see review at http://www.pnwc-nrhs.org/Trainmaster1968/TM-1968-04.pdf ). At the time Victor's book came out, I was already working on a similar project. I immediately purchased a copy of his (No.588). His was far more comprihensive than mine, so I gave him my work and began supplying him with information to make his more complete. Updates to his book were published for a number of years in Roy Linscott's newsletter: "Locomotive Notes" until publication ceased. I continued to provide Victor with my ongoing research. Years later, he grew tired of me asking when his next edition would be out and said that if I were so interested, I ought to do it, which I did in 1988, crediting Victor's work as the basis and inspiration for "The Steam Locomotive Directory of North America". A quick comparision between Victor's "U.S. STEAM LOCOMOTIVE DIRECTORY" and various internet sites will reveal the source of 98% of the information, unfortunately none credit Victor (or his book) for his contributions. In later years Victor was a shareholder and employee of The Iowa Traction Company (formerly the Mason City & Clear Lake), the last (?) electric interurban freight railroad in the country. He retired in 1995. J.David |
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| Author: | GaryPBensman [ Wed May 21, 2014 4:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Victor Koenigsberg |
Yes, Victor's book was THE BIBLE in my early years of steam railfanning -trip planning and exploration. I bought a new Rand-McNally Atlas and spent hours marking the locations of the locomotives listed. Then all trip planning was governed by those locations. We took many zigs and zags to check off the engines we had visited - which led to more zigs and zags and more engines seen. Many times upon return, friends would ask how we did. Well, it was a 27 engine trip or maybe a 38 engine trip. ( I think the record was 71 on an extended holiday weekend trip.) To this day I still mark off an engine that is "new" to me. But I have seen barely more than half of Victor's listings. Now my record is kept in a copy of J. David's book. Thank you Victor. You created a valuable tool. And Thanks, too, J.David for polishing up that tool and keeping the info available. |
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