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Originally Posted by Scrapiron Scher:

I wonder on the list of great railroad events how the Norfolk Southern extravaganza will be viewed.

I so wish I could have been there. What a wonderful happening !!

 

Scrappy

I think it will be veiwed well. I too wish I could have been there. Once in a lifetime deal. Have a nice 4th. Tom

(http://www.google.ca/finance?client=ob&q=NYSE:NSC) Norfolk Southern Corp. is a $23.34 B corporation that earned $5.79/share last year. I would would be much more impressed if they set up, with a sliver of those profits, a (grant) training program for iron workers, steamfitters, electricians, skilled carpenters and other trade crafts in association with an organization such as the Illinois Railroad Museum (http://www.irm.org/). An additional requirement for graduation would be training programs for jobs as motormen, locomotive engineers etc. that might be recognized by the nation's Class A Railroads & transit systems. Wouldn't be surprised if matching training funds could be found at the Federal level too. A triple win opportunity for all with domestic job paths with foreseeable futures.

 

The event you are presumably referring to is little more than a self serving publicity stunt by a company that has profited from the current Federal Reserve's monetary policy, and is now  showing off little more than 21st Century paint to railfans & the general public.

Last edited by Between A&B
Originally Posted by Between A&B:

 

 

The event you are presumably referring to is little more than a self serving publicity stunt by a company that has profited from the current Federal Reserve's monetary policy, and is now  showing off little more than 21st Century paint to railfans & the general public.

This is wrong how? It is not the job of private employers to train workers that has no direct connection to their company. What has happened to people that don't think for themselves  and get the training they need to be successful! My dad did it and so did I, I relied on nobody, no company, no govt., assistance. I relied on myself and what my parents taught me. Who cares what NS made last year in profits or what their share holders are making. I applaud what NS has done. It is their money and they can spend it as they see fit. Too many people in this day and age are looking for a hand out, instead of doing for themselves.  

Originally Posted by Between A&B:

(http://www.google.ca/finance?client=ob&q=NYSE:NSC) Norfolk Southern Corp. is a $23.34 B corporation that earned $5.79/share last year. I would would be much more impressed if they set up, with a sliver of those profits, a (grant) training program for iron workers, steamfitters, electricians, skilled carpenters and other trade crafts in association with an organization such as the Illinois Railroad Museum (http://www.irm.org/). An additional requirement for graduation would be training programs for jobs as motormen, locomotive engineers etc. that might be recognized by the nation's Class A Railroads & transit systems. Wouldn't be surprised if matching training funds could be found at the Federal level too. A triple win opportunity for all with domestic job paths with foreseeable futures.

 

The event you are presumably referring to is little more than a self serving publicity stunt by a company that has profited from the current Federal Reserve's monetary policy, and is now  showing off little more than 21st Century paint to railfans & the general public.

Then by definition, the UP Heritage Fleet, 150 year celebration and steam programs are also "self serving promotions."

 

It's also called "Advertising."

 

If either of these railroads were operating in bankruptcy, there would be an argument for such extravagances as fancy paint and public or private events. 

 

However, both are profitable endeavours and these events help show that railroads are more than something that blocks a grade crossing when you're in a hurry and want to get somewhere.

 

As far as IRM and the museums and tourist lines, they supply the training needed for their particular operations.  The IRM rulebook is for IRM's operation, not the neighboring UP. 

 

Museum/Tourist railroading is different enough from the real thing that just because someone runs a steam locomotive toting three or four antique coaches every other Sunday or so, it doesn't qualify than to run a three unit MU with a hundred car coal train on the Class 1's.

 

Museum labor is voluntary and the time required for "weekend warriors" to go through the craft programs on a weekend basis would be excessive.  And it still wouldn't guarantee a job for someone on the railroads. (Just how many steamfitters do the railroads need nowadays, anyway?)

 

I find it interesting the complaint about NS profiting from the Fed policy then talking about matching Federal funds to train volunteers in the crafts.  Seems a contradiction.

 

Rusty

 


 

Originally Posted by ReadingFan:
 

I think it would be almost as monumental as you putting the Berk on the ground.

Somehow, that little episode seems a bit less "monumental" than the array of NS Heritage Units at the roundhouse and turntable at Spencer.

What would have been truly monumental is watching 765 simply "hover" if the "other" engineer had been driving.  Rich never would have heard the end of it either, would he?  I bet he is glad he wasn't driving!

Originally Posted by c.sam:

Good thread Eliot.

 

An event like this is good for many reasons - how about kids 'seeing all the pretty engines and wanting one for themselves at home to play with dad'?

 

Lionel and MTH better start cranking these out quickly for all the new blood that may show up!

I fully agree C.sam.

 

Although it was not possible for me to be there in person, I mentioned it to a colleague of mine who lives in NC. As a result of this, he took his 3 year old grandson there for the day, and they both had a great time. My friend then sent me the photographs that I posted in the 'Real Trains' forum late on tuesday. I spoke with both of them then, and they told me how impressive the locomotives were up close, and how they still had the train equivalent of the 'new car smell'.

Although I could not be there myself, hearing the enthusiasm in both of their voices was almost as good.  After this, I know of one young man who will remember this day, and had his love of trains given a great big boost. Thank you Norfolk Southern for a wonderful event.

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