I can't help but wonder if the railroad industry ought to include a regular steam railroad school, preferably on a mountain line, to really teach proper operation under difficult conditions. This is the same principle under which a number of naval accademies, including one run by our own Coast Guard, still operate sailing ships for their cadets. Apparently there is still nothing like a sailing ship to really teach you how to appreciate the effects of wind and current on a vessel.


Actually, would it be a good idea for SOME tourist operations to have an "industry day", where industry pros can attend, examine, inquire? We let them know in advance we're trying to establish outreach, to obtain information, etc?

Does that open up any legal issues?

And then there's the long-standing desire among employees to maintain a public posture against being a buff?

I remember a couple years ago that Amtrak personnel got a measure of respect for Steamtown and they were somewhat impressed by the fact that ST crews operated without benefit of a No. 30 brake.

Obtaining the necessary inspection and approvals for shipment of any kind of rail equipment (not just a steam locomotive) over a Class One, as well as making any modifications to that equipment that are required by the inspector for its movement, are solely the responsibility of the equipment owner. Part of the support required is to supply all necessary information to the railroad's inspector that he needs to make informed decisions.

Fortunately our organizations all have an "educational" mission and are always ready and eager to provide comprehensive training and technical support for their equipment when needed... right?

The guys operating steam do have training programs... right?

This kind of situation is handled most effectively by working with the individual inspector to make sure he has all the information he needs well in advance of the planned equipment movement. If there are still problems, specifically seek the railroad's customer service representative that deals with expediting the type of equipment in question.

And there are a few professional expediters in the industry who have all the phone numbers and contacts, and chase the equipment around when the shipment unexpectedly stalls, seeking out the proper railroad officials to get it moving again. It is an expensive service, but what is the cost of having critical equipment miss an event?

PC