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I don't see this as a "proctecting our image" issue. That can be done in any number of ways. Quite a ligimate process also. Now GM has a licensing system which encourages small producers by simply requiring a letter asking permission with a statemement of the nature of the product and no fee if the run is 1000 units or less. The licensing fees scale up from there but are never excessive nor do they claim the rights to the tooling. This industry exists for the most part on small, backroom producers who are truely artists. To lean on them in this way is certainly giving the appearance of a bully if not actually fact. This attitude can be interpreted as indicative of their attitude to other business partners (ie shippers) as well. Now, I don't know about the rest of the people reading this list but I know that I talk with people who are decision makers at some good sized businesses. And they base business decisions on many non-business items they hear. Plus I talk with many people in my local government. UP goes through my town. When consideration for business needs of a company relating to government action comes up, the folks I talk to remember whether they have heard good or bad things about the company in question. This can smooth the way for many projects. As has been mentioned before, the railroads are not viewed well by many people and they do need public support in their dealings with political entities. While I have some problems with management styles right now (and not just RR) I do support the fact that we really need a strong RR network in the country. But the strength of that network is being eroded by restrictive actions being taken by political bodies. (Look at how long it has taken to get the Alameda Corridor developed in LA and this has a major economic effect on teh entire nation.) Sure, I could live without any UP logos on my layout. And I could live without some of the UP management stupidity. But I sure wouldn't want to deal with the results of losing the RR. And, unfortunately, this kind of shortsighted action can affect the bottom line negatively by creating a negative image outside of MRR circles. This is the reason Chessie pulled back 20 years ago. And its the reason other roads have begun liberal, but even more thorough, licensing efforts.
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