If ANYONE belongs on that list, its you Jason. There's quite a few of the "young guns" who wouldn't be involved with steam preservation the way they are if you hadn't given them the chance. Some people may not give you the credit that a decade in the trenches truly deserves, but a few of us do, and respect you for it.

By the way, you may be an up-and-coming marketing guru and one heck of a dad now, but you aren't kiddin' any of us --- you'll have to stay involved ---- ITS IN YOUR BLOOD. That, and you let your kid play with injectors and teeth on guage rings......

TJG

Andy-

Man, if the schedule would allow, I'd be there, but I'm lucky to break state boundaries much anymore. The few times I do, its on the OPPOSITE side of the state from what happening in steam, like, say, #765 's inaguaral run. I've truly fallen if I can't drive a few hours off the beaten path for a hot Berk. Ugh. I should be banned from the foamer-hood for life for that one at alone.

Heck, its been well over a year since I've volunteered at OC, and I used to be down there at least a weekend a month. That six hour drive is getting tougher to make time for. I guess kids and jobs do that.

Truly, though, what I miss is your "witty banter" with women; it never ceases to make my day that much brighter. Lord knows, a day where Andy doesn't make a fool (I'm being nice here, Mr. Moderator) of himself is like a day without sunshine!

TJG

I would respectively suggest that you read Erik's post below. In my case, I've never said I was anything but, and those who try and raise families and live life on the pay they receive at many positions and operations in the industry should be awarded medals for trying to do so. It sure can't be easy --- I know working in the museum field (and yes, I realize many think that is an oxymoron, or that we are somehow beneath others who supposedly "work for a living", UGH) we struggle quite a bit trying to do the same on what probably is a similar or even LOWER pay range.

That being said, there are QUITE A FEW programs out there that would never have gotten off the ground without volunteers, and quite a few of those named and unnamed who got their break in the employment ranks because someone gave them that chance to prove themselves as a volunteer first.

How about you, kind sir?

TJG

Alas, it is not myself making a fool of me but the women that don't understand me! At least I could keep people entertained and actually accomplish something now and then. If you get the chance to be out this way get in touch so we can go check the menu and bring you up to speed on the stories from the 'Zone.
-Andy

Greg,

How incredible of you to post what you have. I commend you. It is heartening to see the names of those we've worked and learned with.

I'm hoping the article in question and the publicity of those of us involved can help organizations formulate plans to encourage their younger members, educate them on the important 'heritage skills', and draw more 'young blood.'

Speaking of which, one of our old friends, Tim Botti, a young gun himself, has worked vigorous hours at Morgan Run at the Ohio Central, during each volunteer session and during his time off from work and school during the week since last summer and he surely deserves a nod. Tim's also formulating some very progressive plans for steam in his neck of the woods. Perhaps we'll hear about them in the near future...

See you all this summer? :)

Kelly Lynch

Hey Marty,
If they had been writing these kind of articles when you were getting your start, they would have called it "Young Spears of Steam."
-Zahrt

I knew those photos would come back to haunt Zahrt.

Jeez, my blood ran cold at the thought of those stories being aired publically. Please no stories from the Zone!! Especially about my relationship with a certain waitress there. I beseach you. I want want to retain some shred of my public dignity.
-Zahrt
P.S. As per your request, one of the Sports Zone's 'new menu additions' is ready to go pending your arrival. At least I'm pretty sure. Feels like a good night to double check...

Amen to THAT!!
-Zahrt

I have to completely agree with T.J. on this one and I speak from very personal experience. Jason Johnson has had a profound influence on my son. Jason has not only educated my son on steam and general railroading, but he has helped him make choices for college. My son had always been interested in mechanical engineering and that is what he is going to pursue in college. Jason showed him the benefits of a split education with some marketing and economics courses. Suggestions are often better taken from a friend than a father. My son grew up around live steam locomotives, a railroad library, and tons of railroad hardware. He never had any interest until he was 12, and now that interest has really grown. Mike was very pleased to know a number of the Young Guns in the article. He will be trying to help out other youngsters this summer as he has been invited back to be a youth counselor at Railcamp. People like Jason, T.J., Greg Schultz, Mike Manwiler, and KellyLynch have already had a very positive influence on my son. There is a great core of potential out there!!!

I would like to thank Greg for referring to me as a "Young Gun". It is kind of humbling. I never set out to be a "Young Gun". I think others out there (T.J. Gaffney) making mention of what I have done and try to do more so than I expected or anticipated. Thanks T.J. I appreciate you looking out for me. I also have to thank Marty Knox for throwing me into the industry on Crossroads Lumber #4.

However there are a great many "Young Guns" that do what they do everyday at the Henry Ford. For instance Matt Burr and Chris Salmonson (Occasional poster) are both engineers and two of the better guys to work alongside. We have Matt Goodman in as a part time Mechanic while he continues his education. He is a gung-ho live steamer but we don't hold that against him.

It is good that these people are recognized for their efforts. I think that recognizing some of the others is a good thing. Makes them realize they are appreciated for their efforts, whether they are "Young Guns" or "Old Heads"

I still find my greatest satisfaction however, in seeing the locomotive I worked on going around the railroad.

It's us young guns that climb into fireboxes to change fusable plugs or empty the tender out at the end of the season. We may be spry, but out health may not be impervious. Sorry I had to go on short term disability last year. I also take my advice from "An old head who's been bruised and battered", because thy've been there and done that, including gawking at ckicks instead of watching for close clearances.
We also don't have families to tend to, so our weekends are always open, or as they seem so.

Re: As for the question of professionals vs. volunteers raised further up in the thread, I respectfully submit that the question implies that volunteers somehow are second class citizens in steam preservation. That is a position to which I do not subscribe. As a former steam volunteer but never a paid steam pro, I doubt Jim Wrinn does either. :-)[/quote]

My editorial in the May issue definitely advocates volunteerism in railway preservation (as well as participation in financial contributions) as being among the most worthwhile ways one can invest in the the future of railway preservation. Jim

Chris plaese do not bring up the old "Archie bunker" U.P. safety film. You have to admit he does remind you of him. I've watched that video every year for the past 15 years soon to be 16. "Being a little bit careless is like being a little bit pregnant" Some thing to remember when chasing!

I must agree with TJ. Without volunteer programs there are many railroads that would cease to exist. Volunteers are part of this industry. While most of the people I mentioned are professional railroaders, many of them volunteer on the side.

I got my start as a volunteer at the Ohio Central. I was in college and couldn't afford to buy tickets on their excursions. I did chase, however and decided if I was going to freeload, I needed to give back to the railroad. So I started volunteering my time. Believe me when I say that chasing is fun but there is a whole different feel to chasing when you've helped get the engine ready for the trips. I will never forget my time as a volunteer and I plan on volunteering at other railroads any chance I get.