>> Phil, is there any chance for some kind of
> breakthrough or do you see this stalemate
> continuing a long time?

Good question. The following is entirely my opinion based on my read of what I know about the situation. To caveat that immediately, one personal conclusion that you should bear in mind, gentle reader, is that, presently, NO one has complete and accurate knowledge of the situation. Much needed is adherence to Hubert H. Humphrey's wise advice, "When in doubt, talk." Web sites that suppress discussion of true facts when they are uncomfortable facts do their subscribers no service. Fortunately, RYPN is not in that category.

My assessment is the situation will resolve for better or worse relatively soon. Unfortunately, "worse" is the probable outcome although I can see a couple of good outcomes that remain possible. That sounds like a waffle but, all of the indications are that the outcome really is in the balance at the moment. That is much better than a situation that is uniformly bad and static.

Phil Padgett

ebt4evr@aol.com

In regards to Mr. Padgett's off beat posting, I have a few things to say. Your words and actions have caused the FEBT nothing but grief. You've hindered their progress before, and considering the ations that have taken place, you think you'd have learned the first time.

The point is, the FEBT was on fairly stable ground in the last month or so when work was to begin for the first time in 15 some years. All of the actions lately, in general (MTC, small restoration projects at Rockhill) to me are a sure sign of things to come. It is an attempt to do something about the problem which you can't seem to get through your thick headed cranium.

Your're making Joe K. look like he is the bad guy, and essentially you are manipulating the minds of individuals who have minimal understanding of daily activies and history of the EBT to comprehend that what Joe is doing is bad and is only in it for money. That is not factual, when in fact I think you are ill-informed.

I used to be an idiot a while back, but I realized what was going on recently and now I respect the FEBT for what they have accomplished and are trying to do. Sure, their past as well as mine are rough, but you deal with things in a civilized manner. Why don't you try to understand that you can't just accept any contract. There are many different points that need to be taken into account before things can take shape.

I believe I speak for a few others when I say you are only causing problems for yourself and more for the EBT/FEBT relations. Please, for the sake of the future, think about what really matters, preserving the railroad. I don't want to see it fall as is the same for thousands of others.

It is the pessimistic attitudes of people such as yourself that are keeping everything from happening the way it should. Lighten up, and support Joe K. because he's done a lot to keep the place alive.

Anybody out there agree with me? Tell me!

Nevin Byers
http://www.parails.com

nevin@parails.com

> Anybody out there agree with me? Tell me!

I agree. The EBT crew has been working hard along with some of the RTM members and a few other people to keep the steamers operating from day to day, not an easy job many times. Mr. K. should not be berrated for not accepting a contract especially if one does not know the details. Perhaps the ARC has angered Kovalchick in some way as to keep him from signing, or maybe he wishes to retain control of the RR and the contract would not allow it. Whatever the reason, I'm sure it is in the best interest of the EBT. Mr. K. is a business man and knows how those things (contracts) work. Let him do his thing. If he wanted rid of the RR, he probably would have gotten rid of it by now.
Here's to EBT in 2002.

Railfan USA
sd100mac@hotmail.com