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Just my 2 cents. What is the licensing fee? If it is some small amount, then no problem as an argument can be made that the model manufacturer is able to make a sale by using the railroad's property. I remember reading once that some railroad just wanted to give its OK to a product using its trademarks - which I have absolutely no problem with as that fits with the "official line" used by UP (protecting what folks think of the railroad). And yes the UP and DRGW does exist in the form of contracts - but only because those contracts have either language obligating "SP and its successors" or because UP bought SP's assets and liabilities. I believe any suit on these contracts would involve UP, not SP as it is my understanding that SP no longer legally exists. I do believe, however, that some of the railroads miss out on an important aspect. While I can only speak for myself, I'm sure others out here would agree. My modeling of railroads is what sparked my interst in reading and learning more about them - first to increase the quality of my modeling. I then became more interested in the history of railroads and how they operate. If I wasn't a modelrailroader, I doubt I would care that the PC merger flopped, hope for the success of Conrail and a desire to see Amtrack continue. I dare say that modelrailroaders as a group are probably the most supportive non-railroad industry of the railroad industry. We've become a free spokesperson for the industry. How many of us have explained to others the importance of maintaining a rail system? How many young adults learned first hand about the importance of railroads at the Boy Scout National Jamboree working the model railroad merit badge and obtained the operation lifesaver information (which I'm sure saves the railroads millions of dollars with each avoided accident)? IMHO the railroads are missing out on an excellent opportunity to advance their own interests by the licensing of their logos. Instead they should become involved in the hobby. Write articles in the magazines describing their newest technology and why it increases the efficiency of transportation. Would make an interesting sidebar to a construction/kitbashing piece. Imagine an article about intermodel with a sidebar written by BNSF on how their new port facility and cars decrease shipping costs and save the consumer money. Or a grade crossing article with a sidebar on how CSX is upgrading their grade crossing and how it has cut down accidents. Seems to me that would increase the perception of the railroads as good guys much more than getting a couple dollars for every model sold. Of course just my 2 cents worth here.
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