From trains.com - “The museum website now lists an 11-member board, with Ken Lanford as president; in February, it listed 18 members; with Will Harris — one of those who resigned — as president.”

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GME

Sometimes the ego/control thing is in the organization itself, but when dealing with a museum or"owner" is what can cause disputes. Everyone needs to keep their eye on the prize. Not everyone in the "owning" group has a clue what makes it go. The restoration group needs to know what they are doing and let "management" deal with the politics and personalities.

In this case the tea leaves are easy to read. The man ( Will Harris ) responsible for organizing and executing the highly successful 2023 excursions behind the 611 and his entire team of 5 fellow BOD members resigned together.

They obviously took that action because of some serious issues that were not being resolved.

Let's hope that a solution can be found before the 611's time expires??

Ross Rowland

I think it's an important thing to realize that there will be two sides to the story.

What if, for example, the question they resigned over was "Should 611 be converted to oil?"

The operations camp would likely say "hell yes" while the museum camp, who have a duty to the preservation of the object, would likely say "hell no".

In a situation like that, I can see how and why the operationalists would take their marbles and go home, or at least to a different playground and how neither party would be in the wrong.

With all due respect Ed, the President and all 5 of his team resigning together was over an issue FAR greater than converting the engine to oil.

Life doesn't work based on what ifs, it works based upon real facts.

Just think ....if your Aunt had you know whats she'd be your uncle.

Let's hope that they can reach a solution before the 611's FRA ticket expires.

Hope springs eternal. Ross Rowland

This news just popped up on my Facebook feed from the N&W 611 page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/DXm2nZ1UZqz2s93Q/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Yeah, what fuels the locomotive is not what people resign over - I have no clue what is going on but it’s much bigger than that, I’m certain.

That was a theoretical example of both teams having valid points to demonstrate that such a situation could exist.

But until the real situation is known, people are going to continue to wonder and speculate.

No, you are trying to downplay the severity of this. That’s not helpful.

This is most certainly OT, but only posted to remind people that this situation isn't unique to railroading..... passions are running equally high in Erie over this abrupt shutdown of the Brig Niagara, the state ship of Pennsylvania, logo for the City of Erie, biggest attraction in this corner of the state - our own USS Constitution:

https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/50638 ... rd-members

The lack of clear communication on cause, reason, results, and plan has been possibly a bigger problem than the issues themselves. It did run aground and damage the propeller (aux engine) last season... but now it's lost its Coast Guard certification and can't even be visited. Extra eggs on face, please? Volunteer group moved over to the other sailing ship, leaving the state rather high and dry as well.

This sounds so much like our steam preservation efforts, it should offer some comfort:
https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/co ... 128716007/

The first order of business, as you can see, is better communication.

.

Agreed. I just hope he knows what he's gotten himself into.

Another article came out today about the VMT resignations.

https://www.wdbj7.com/video/2024/07/02/ ... s-roanoke/

As is always the case, eventually all the facts & issues will come out,....only a question of when not if.

I'm sure the TV stations examination of the books & records will raise some questions, hopefully nothing major.

Ross Rowland