Vote? Really?

GSMRR and AHR aren't democracies run at the whims of the majority of foamers on internet lists. We don't get to vote. Given the general amount of business savvy evident here compared to reactive passion, a good thing indeed.

So, Mr Harper has decided that operating steam is a vital part of the brand and package that is the product offered at GSMRR. This is a very fine and excellent development for those of us who like steam. I thank him for it, and wish him well no matter what strategy and equipment he decides is the best financial fit for achieving that business goal. The paint jobs don't worry me either - whatever is the most atractive to the general public that is his paying audience.

The only concerning development here from my POV is the quality of the "expert" advice on which he has been depending which has led him into dead ends. His technical people need to be as good as his marketing people - and I hope he can find the right people to get it done in a sustainable way this time around.

Thanks and best wishes, sir.

dave

My use of the word "vote" was merely a figure of speech saying that if I were in his shoes that is probably what I would do. Other business models such as leasing might better suit his needs. I try never to rent anything if I can help it. And I am not a foamer. He can throw the damn things in the scrap bin for all I care.

If one owned a steam locomotive in operable condition and someone from a tourist railroad 500 miles or so away wanted to lease it in this day and age, how would you do it?

How would you protect your investment and make enough money to make the venture worthwhile? I'm not suggesting it can't or shouldn't be done, but I am wondering what steps would or should be taken by the leasor and/or leasee.

I would think all transportation would be at the cost of the leasee. I would also expect the appropriate charges to be based on each day the loco is under steam. What about supervision and upkeep? How do you monitor and quantify that?

Just some interesting thoughts I have not heard discussed much.

Not sure how Smokey mountain is set up but you make a donation thing like "Friends of 1702".

1702 is her USATC number.

The Warren & Saline River made some cosmetic changes to her, the Reader did the rest. I think that pilot beam came from a FEC 4-8-2.

http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr0605/wsr1702.jpg

GSMR is a for-profit corporation. Think of NS or CSX on a smaller scale and a different "cargo." GMSR tried setting up an "educational foundation" to raise monies for the restoration of 722 and 1702. It never really got off of the ground. It would be like McDonald's setting up the "Friends of McDonald's" looking for volunteers or donations, or "Friends of Boeing" to recruit volunteers to assemble 737s on the line in Everett.

Not that it stops from people from setting up "friends of" groups with sometimes questionable interests. I won't go into details, but someone I know who owns a historic rare airplane he was slowly restoring over time got an e-mail once from someone asking about such a group dedicated to his own airplane. He'd had no idea such a group even existed! Turned out, a group of fans with probably good intentions set up a fund and even had elections for a group dedicated to restoring my friend's airplane and they'd never even asked if he was interested. He had to lawyer up just in case people would assume he'd been behind it, just in time to see said group implode as a large mess by self-promoted people who has no connection to anything...

Great news from the Smokies today...

http://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/ ... road-lines

I hope $700,000 is enough. Both engines look pretty rough.

Well, the article states that the $700,000 is just for the 1702...and that the profits gained from running the 1702 would go towards restoring the 722.

While I was living in the "mountain" area of North Georgia I spent many weekends camping, hiking, and kayaking with various friends and family in the Nantahala Gorge. The 1702 riding along side the river with a train full of happy people...was always the hi-light of paddling down the river.

The 1702 definitely added something to the atmosphere in both Bryson City & Dillsboro. For the record, the turntable bridge is already in Bryson City...it has been there sometime now. I agree with their decision to complete the overhaul of 1702 first. For those in the know, 722 will require extensive boiler work (aka - a patch) before it can be operated...think Southern 630 style rebuild. 722 was run hard with the Southern and run down by the time she arrived at TVRM. All that being said...it was most excellent to be in Sylva, NC when the NS delivered her to the GSMR.

I am hopeful that the GSMR leadership will make it paramount that their railroad strive to follow in the footsteps of their long running cousin at the D & S RR in Durango, CO. It would be nice to see both 1702 & 722 peaking their heads out of a shop building raising steam for a crazy weekend full of trips thru the gorge.

If this is true, the risks of scrapping 1702 and the turntable are increased. All it takes is one election or a personality clash with the county commissioners. It also depends on the terms of the lease, which have not been reported. We don't know the cancellation and renewal terms.

At the same time the long term risk of rusting away to nothing is reduced.

The changed risk may be worthwhile, we don't know enough to be sure.

I give the Smokey Mountain News credit for having a picture of a steam locomotive in the article, but 1702 is not a tank engine. I know, I'm being picky.

-Mark

I appreciate opinions from everyone about everything...we can't all think the same...that would be boring and make life dull.

So I remember being asked by someone years ago as to why someone would feel the need to restore a steam engine...and there really wasn't a great answer.

So I say...IN JEST...scrap them all!!!

If every steam locomotive in the US was scrapped...the day would not end...tax would still be collected...the world would not end.

We should REALLY be grateful for ANY and EVERY effort made by any group, company, or city to keep the wheels turning...no matter their motivations. I mean let's face it...every steam operation revolves around SOMEONE making or earning money. None of these operations are done for free. Parts companies, machinists, railroads, museums, employees...it is all about earning money.

Despite popular belief...steam engines do not exist for photogs and people covered in railroad patches...steam engines are after all just machines...as common as a car.

Some of this I state IN JEST...with a smidge of opinion.

you know, the early steam engines were like status symbols, you were an engineer, you had notoriety, the engines were colorful, the crew took care of them etc.

Then came dirty black.

Have to thank O Winston Link for what he did, anyways the railroads do have a certain "Charm" or we wouldnt have all this preservation, museums, etc.

just read the article, what ONE cent can do...