> Lest they forget forget.

Jim, as one of the "young'uns" in this hobby, I think the vast majority of those involved are NOT doing this to preserve our railroad heritage, rather because they ARE kooky train nuts. You've seen the attitude prevalnt when it comes to discussing teenagers volunteering: it amounts to "they're too young, they don't know enough, and they can't be trusted." I TRIED to volunteer on 1361 two years ago when I was still in PA, but no one would even return my emails, even though related websites were bemoaning the lack of volunteers. The truth is that alot of preservation IS big boys playing with big toys, and they don't want to share. If that doesn't change ALOT within 10 years, 30 years from now no one WILL care.

mrwowak@yahoo.com

So True ... however I wish to report that our group managed to attract three young lads that are not afraid to get out and get dirty! They are really worth their weight in gold and are willing to learn from the ballast up. Since our operation is so small they get a chance to practice on everything from track to maintenance to train handling.


lamontdc@adelphia.net

> Jim, as one of the "young'uns" in
> this hobby, I think the vast majority of
> those involved are NOT doing this to
> preserve our railroad heritage, rather
> because they ARE kooky train nuts. You've
> seen the attitude prevalnt when it comes to
> discussing teenagers volunteering: it
> amounts to "they're too young, they
> don't know enough, and they can't be
> trusted." I TRIED to volunteer on 1361
> two years ago when I was still in PA, but no
> one would even return my emails, even though
> related websites were bemoaning the lack of
> volunteers. The truth is that alot of
> preservation IS big boys playing with big
> toys, and they don't want to share. If that
> doesn't change ALOT within 10 years, 30
> years from now no one WILL care.
While I have had similar experiences to Brian during my 40 years of "off and on" preservation efforts, it's not as though nothing is being done to address this problem. The NRHS program to sponsor trainees in rail preservation at Steamtown each summer is one such effort. Why couldn't there be a West Coast or Midwestern version of this program? Admittedly, it would take the cooperation of the major museums in those areas, but NRHS is a national organization, and I feel certain that much of the curriculem would be transferable and would leverage the good work done by the principals to date. I'm sure there would be many details to work out ( insurance, housing, tool/machinery differences et al), but the local chapters just might feel better nominating/sponsoring young people if the benefits were closer to home.

jjburke0918@aol.com

Why couldn't there be a West Coast or Midwestern version of this program?

Smokebox - perhaps this could be one function of your new operation - to train newbies like me (I'll only be 50 next year). Also, it would be good to train folks to care for park engines. I would think that most Parks and Rec. Departments (especially in smaller cities) would welcome the effort. Even by myself I can scrape rust and apply paint. I would think it wouldn't be too hard to learn how to lubricate bearings, etc.



shawsinoly@aol.com