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Hemphill Posts Number One Hundred

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Hemphill Posts Number One Hundred
Posted by jeaton on Saturday, February 14, 2004 7:59 AM
The following was found on a piece of paper blowing in a cold southern Wisconsin wind.

"On February 14, 2003, Mark W. Hemphill sent his 100th post to the Trains.Com Forums.

"Hemphill brings to the forum knowledge from his experience in the railroad industry where he has reportedly had more jobs than Dave Gunn or Ed King. He adds to that experience with research into the vast written documentation on railroads, supplemented with field research and interviews with top railroad officials. Except for something about the weight of a ton of wheat, his accuracy with facts and details is renowned. Fearlessly, he will weigh with in a voice of reason in the often bitterly disputed subjects, such as who made the best switch lanterns. The quality of his writing would put most forum contributors to shame, except rail fans have very little of that.

"Hemphill is also the Editor of Trains Magazine where he writes a monthly dead on editorial and frequently writes feature articles for the magazine. He spends the rest of the time on the job pacifying a whole bunch of incredibly picky rail fan subscribers who constantly threaten cancellation because the magazine content has too much of this and not enough of that. Undaunted, he shrugs the problem off with some comment about why he gets the big bucks.

"It is rumored that he writes a book or two on his lunch break.

"As his reward for his posting, he has been given a second blue star. However because of space considerations his stars only appear on his profile. A gala reward ceremony is planned for the near future.

Give it up for Mark

"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo Possum "We have met the anemone... and he is Russ." Bucky Katt "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr, Nobel laureate in physics

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 8:28 AM
Most untrue part: the big bucks. I wish!
Most true part: cold Wisconsin wind.

Actually, the only reason you find me on these forums at 1:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning is because the users of this forum are fun to talk to. I learn from some of you a lot of things I didn't know, and from others of you, answering the questions you ask help me to clarify thoughts in ways I had not done before.

There have even been some potential authors I've identified from these very forums that you will see in future issues of Trains. This forum is SO unlike most of the other forums, which are little more than one-upmanship, posturing, and bitterness. You have to hand it to Ed, whose is always a voice of reason, and Mookie, who is always a voice of enthusiasm.
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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:15 AM
Mark - It's always a pleasure to see you weigh in on a thread - You are even handed and present the facts as you know them. Many times those facts are things the rest of us don't have access to, so we are all enlightened.

Keep up the good work!

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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Posted by locomutt on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:27 AM
CONGRATS MARK [tup]
I've always enjoyed reading your threads,they truthfully
are works of art and very informative and to the point.
Please keep it up.([?] Don't YOU at least get a star[?]

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:32 AM
Good job. I can't wait to see 1000 myself.

Mark if you thought Wisconsin wind was bad you should see the average day in PA!
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:42 AM
Mark [:)]

It is always good to see and read your posts. I have soooo much enjoyed the subjects you discuss with us in the threads. YOURS is the voice of knowledge and the experience does show.

Thank you for such quality and knowledgeable posts. [:)]
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:54 AM
QUOTE:
Undaunted, he shrugs the problem off with some comment about why he gets the big bucks.

"It is rumored that he writes a book or two on his lunch break.


No big bucks (hey, it's journalism, remember) and it's only rumored that Hemphill takes lunch breaks. Other than that, I can concur with everything else.

Likely I've just ruined his career at KPC now. Sort of like Howard Dean getting endorsed by Al Gore.

Paul Schmidt
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 11:16 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark W. Hemphill
There have even been some potential authors I've identified from these very forums that you will see in future issues of Trains.


I want to write for a RR magizine someday.
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Posted by Willy2 on Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:03 PM
Good Job Mark! I always enjoy reading your posts because they are informative and always have a friendly air.

Willy

Willy

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:20 PM
Each time please say which Mark because I am Mark and I am getting confused.
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:23 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by locomutt

CONGRATS MARK [tup]
I've always enjoyed reading your threads,they truthfully
are works of art and very informative and to the point.
Please keep it up.([?] Don't YOU at least get a star[?]


When you click on his profile it says he has two stars. The MR staff gets five stars--no fair!!
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:25 PM
Good Jon Mark and Mark,

- Mark you are almust at 1000, (dougal)

-Mark, Sir, It is always a pleasure to hear from you and your expirience.
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:39 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by jeaton

The following was found on a piece of paper blowing in a cold southern Wisconsin wind.

"On February 14, 2003, Mark W. Hemphill sent his 100th post to the Trains.Com Forums.

"Hemphill brings to the forum knowledge from his experience in the railroad industry where he has reportedly had more jobs than Dave Gunn or Ed King. He adds to that experience with research into the vast written documentation on railroads, supplemented with field research and interviews with top railroad officials. Except for something about the weight of a ton of wheat, his accuracy with facts and details is renowned. Fearlessly, he will weigh with in a voice of reason in the often bitterly disputed subjects, such as who made the best switch lanterns. The quality of his writing would put most forum contributors to shame, except rail fans have very little of that.

"Hemphill is also the Editor of Trains Magazine where he writes a monthly dead on editorial and frequently writes feature articles for the magazine. He spends the rest of the time on the job pacifying a whole bunch of incredibly picky rail fan subscribers who constantly threaten cancellation because the magazine content has too much of this and not enough of that. Undaunted, he shrugs the problem off with some comment about why he gets the big bucks.

"It is rumored that he writes a book or two on his lunch break.

"As his reward for his posting, he has been given a second blue star. However because of space considerations his stars only appear on his profile. A gala reward ceremony is planned for the near future.

Give it up for Mark



Which post was his 100th?
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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, February 14, 2004 4:06 PM
Mark
Thank you for the information.why cant you guys have stars like David Voss?
stay safe
joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by edblysard on Saturday, February 14, 2004 5:17 PM
Yeah, way to go Mark H.
You dont get a star to show off because that would indicate some bias towards Trains employees?
Just a guess on my part.
Still, at least a smiley face or two....?

Ed

23 17 46 11

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Posted by cherokee woman on Saturday, February 14, 2004 6:01 PM
Congratulations Mark Hemphill. I really appreciated your help along with everyone else, on what the difference is between railroads and railways.

Keep up the good work.
Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Rick Gates on Saturday, February 14, 2004 7:58 PM
Mark, I am new to this forum, though I have read some of your articles in the magazine. From what I have heard from you, I am Impressed! Thanks for all you share and congratulations. I suspect that even the "AntiGates" may concur. lol
Railroaders do it on steel
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Posted by mudchicken on Sunday, February 15, 2004 9:35 PM
Can we give Mark a few more stars for his "off the forum" replies??? (and yes Mark, we're still thinking about Friday's comment, less the sugarcoating")

mc
Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by JoeUmp on Monday, February 16, 2004 10:42 PM
Mark,

Congrats on the second star. Hope I get there sometime soon.[:)]
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 16, 2004 11:14 PM
congrats, its nice to have someone around who is at least supposed to be an exelent writer & editor. I am sorry to admit though, I have yet to sit down and actuaaly read your posts. I usually skim through threads, go ohh la la at photos, and be on my merry way. Ill read em one of these days. Congrats again
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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 1:46 AM
A friend in times when friends are needed. Dave
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Posted by rrnut282 on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:01 AM
I enjoy reading your posts, because, unlike your editorials, you can be much more direct in who your target audience is. Also, you can let your hair (if you still have any) down and speak more from the heart rather than speaking to sell magazines. I mean that in a kind way, not sarcastic, I don't have a lot of time to spend on the forums. Keep it up.
Mike (2-8-2)
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 8:03 AM
Mark,

Congrats on the second star. I always enjoy your info and articles.

Thanks!!

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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 12:43 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Yeah, way to go Mark H.
You dont get a star to show off because that would indicate some bias towards Trains employees?
Just a guess on my part.
Still, at least a smiley face or two....?

Ed
Pst - Hey Mark - wanna trade my 5 stars for your Trains logo? Don't tell Bergie...

Mookie

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 5:20 AM
I for one am always glad to hear what Mark has to say on issues. It may be a comment or information. I feel we all should be thankful for his insight into things

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