WMSR and CMO Dan Pluta part ways

Finderskeepers · **Posted:** Wed Feb 25, 2015 3:45 pm

Just learned that the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad CMO Dan Pluta has parted ways with the organization. Details haven't yet been released as to whether this was forced or voluntary, but definitely a big setback to the restoration of C&O 1309. From all accounts Dan is a pleasant hard working guy who knows more than his share about steam. I wish him well wherever he lands.

M Austin · **Joined:** Sat Feb 05, 2005 1:05 am **Posts:** 488

WMSR's loss is another railroads gain. Dan is one of the low key Ace's in the industry. Little fan fare and the trains just run and run and run....

Lincoln Penn · **Joined:** Wed Feb 02, 2011 9:40 pm **Posts:** 841

What Matt said.

hullmat991 · **Joined:** Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:12 pm **Posts:** 231

Couldnt it just be that he wanted to retire or take a nice long break? Maybe he had a medical problem. A lot of times whenever I see threads like this it seems like people start thinking the worst has happened.

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Thu Feb 26, 2015 10:39 pm

hullmat991 wrote:

Couldnt it just be that he wanted to retire or take a nice long break? Maybe he had a medical problem. A lot of times whenever I see threads like this it seems like people start thinking the worst has happened.

From the following news article: http://www.wcbcradio.com/?news=chief-me ... wmsr-fired

"WCBC News has learned that Dan Pluta, chief mechanical officer for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and a veteran who has been with the operation since its inception has been fired. While efforts to contact General Manager Michael Gresham were not successful. Board President Mark Farris did talk to WCBC News but would only say it was an “operational issue” that did not involve the board."

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Fri Feb 27, 2015 12:50 pm

I would think that the status of the guy who is leading up the effort to rebuild a locomotive that is going to have a huge impact on the business is something that should rise to the level of board involvement.

With time running out on 734, 1309 is going to be called upon to become the star of the show. If it is not operational the entire business model of the WMSR will suffer. Clearly that is a board level concern, or should be unless the board is one that is just there but doesn't actually do any real governing (a rubber stamp board).

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

I don't know the situation with Mr. Pluta leaving the WMSR but there are two questions that should be answered:

1. Who is their new CMO?

2. What is their steam locomotive experience?

Les

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Lincoln Penn · **Joined:** Wed Feb 02, 2011 9:40 pm **Posts:** 841

Kelly Anderson wrote:

Hot Metal wrote:

I would think that the status of the guy who is leading up the effort to rebuild a locomotive that is going to have a huge impact on the business is something that should rise to the level of board involvement.

With time running out on 734, 1309 is going to be called upon to become the star of the show. If it is not operational the entire business model of the WMSR will suffer.

Les Beckman wrote:

I don't know the situation with Mr. Pluta leaving the WMSR but there are two questions that should be answered:

1. Who is their new CMO?

2. What is their steam locomotive experience?

Les

All good points and questions.

Starting to look and sound eerily like Union Pacific.

Lincoln Penn · **Joined:** Wed Feb 02, 2011 9:40 pm **Posts:** 841

hullmat991 wrote:

Couldnt it just be that he wanted to retire or take a nice long break? Maybe he had a medical problem. A lot of times whenever I see threads like this it seems like people start thinking the worst has happened.

Knowing him, I don't think he is nearly old enough to retire.

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3010

Speaking on a very general basis, and with no knowledge of this particular situation, the fact that they publicly state he was fired typically indicates it wasn't a good parting of the ways.

In these days of lawsuit happy individuals, organizations often simply won't comment on personnel matters at all. Or, if they do comment, they say "Left to pursue other career opportunities" (PC Speak for "Now looking for a job since we just fired them..."). If things are friendlier, the person is often offered the chance to resign.

No idea what happened, but it would appear they didn't take it well.