And sweet, come to think of it.
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"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
In my case, its because I didn't bother to read far enough up the forum. I only noticed that the gentleman above me was up to 15 1`/2, and without researching further assumed that mine is 16. Not sure about the other guy...
The Beaverton, Fanno Creek & Bull Mountain Railroad
"Ruby Line Service"
Paul of CovingtonHow come we got three 16's?
I think that the '15 1/2' confused me (fixed)
I noticed in this months (magazine) issue Q&A section, a reader wrote in asking how a train can turn around using a WYE. And the response given was not "you fool, we already have covered that countless times before, what's the matter, can't figure out how to use the search function?" Nor did the respondent try to spike the ball with some quip about the reader needing to contact the back issues dept or buy the DVD library. The magazine answered this seemingly basic question in complete sincerity.
Evidently Kalmbach recognizes that their customer base is comprised of various and sundry levels of knowledge and experience, and is happy to accomodate all levels.
I would suspect that their intent is similar here that their web presence be in support of their published product, and are more than happy for all levels of their customer base to participate here, when seekingfurther knowledge.
Similarly I suspect the intent of their web based product is intended more to provide a means of attachment for their entire customer base than it is for the personal amusement of a few heavy handed members stroking themselves by making others feel sorry that they asked an "elementary" question.
I could be wrong about that....the search function wasn't much help.
Convicted One I noticed in this months (magazine) issue Q&A section, a reader wrote in asking how a train can turn around using a WYE. And the response given was not "you fool, we already have covered that countless times before, what's the matter, can't figure out how to use the search function?" Nor did the respondent try to spike the ball with some quip about the reader needing to contact the back issues dept or buy the DVD library. The magazine answered this seemingly basic question in complete sincerity. Evidently Kalmbach recognizes that their customer base is comprised of various and sundry levels of knowledge and experience, and is happy to accomodate all levels. I would suspect that their intent is similar here that their web presence be in support of their published product, and are more than happy for all levels of their customer base to participate here, when seekingfurther knowledge. Similarly I suspect the intent of their web based product is intended more to provide a means of attachment for their entire customer base than it is for the personal amusement of a few heavy handed members stroking themselves by making others feel sorry that they asked an "elementary" question. I could be wrong about that....the search function wasn't much help.
Indeed, we are blessed with this means to share our knowledge; when I think of what I first relied on for knowledge--more than sixty years ago: books, encyclopedia articles, conversations with railroad employees, and Trains magazine, I give thanks for the opportunities to learn more, and to share what I know--remembering how narrow my supply of information was then.
Johnny
Technically your point #3 is incorrect...most larger (Class 1) railroads are NOT private corporations but are rather corporations owned by a combination of public citizens (that's folks like you and me) via stock purchases (through various vehicles) and also officers of the corporation (through their own stock ownership either through a private purchase or through stock given them as part of their compensation program/bonus program or other contractural arrangment related to their employment). A "private" company is generally owned outright by an individual or a relatively small group of individuals (such as a family).
eolafan Technically your point #3 is incorrect...most larger (Class 1) railroads are NOT private corporations but are rather corporations owned by a combination of public citizens (that's folks like you and me) via stock purchases (through various vehicles) and also officers of the corporation (through their own stock ownership either through a private purchase or through stock given them as part of their compensation program/bonus program or other contractural arrangment related to their employment). A "private" company is generally owned outright by an individual or a relatively small group of individuals (such as a family).
In the context of railroads the public/private divide is if the ownership is by governmental entity or nor. If some form of governmental entity is the owner - it is public. If not it is private, no mater if it is stock owner held company or a truly private owner held company.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
DeggestyYou hit the spot! Those of us who have been around for a while have gained knowledge in many ways, and when we come across such a question posed by someone who is new the wonderful world of railroading we should be glad to share the knowledge we have. There are times when I would like to share such knowledge as I have--but realize that someone else has a better understanding than I do and wait for the more knowledgeable person to provide the answer.
One seeming puzzlement, though, is how a long-dead thread (and I'm talking years, not days or weeks) is suddenly resurrected by someone who has plunged to the depths of old posts, meanwhile another person comes on the forum with a question that was discussed in depth just days ago (more or less).
Oftimes, the OP's question is briefly answered, and he/she is provided a link to a past thread in which such a discussion was held, possibly along with the polite suggestion that they use the search function.
Of course, given the vagaries of said search function, sometimes that isn't an option...
Any forum has its share of curmudgeons who deign to suffer "newbies." We're no different. Then, again, what might seem to the poster to be a polite response may be viewed by others as curt and impolite. Some days you can't win...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Your posts are a pleasure to read, but more than 60 years? I'm a product of the early 50's, very early, and I figure, except for the high BP, bad back, too much weight, bad knees, bad shoulder, bad ankles, I'm maybe 30'ish. I truely enjoy your civil comments as well as those from all of the above posters.
#20+/- Keep partison politics out of the discussions.
Thanks, Bob. Christmas of '48 or '49, an uncle gave my youngest brother and me two Modern Wonder books--one about trains and railroading and one about ships, and I began learning about the means of traveling in civilized comfort (my wife's expression, coined before it became a true hassel to travel by air). In 1951, this brother and I took a trip, mostly by rail, to visit another brother, in Baton Rouge, and another uncle, in Chattanooga. This trip sealed my affection for rail travel. The next spring, I discovered Trains magazine, and I have subscribed since. I afflicted the agent in my home town with my presence, and watched the passenger trains in Charlotte as much as I could, talking with some of the employees.
When I got out into the world, I found more friendships with railroad employees, and was able, at times, to play with the real thing (I had no train to play with when I was little). As I have commented before, I would not now even dream of doing what I was able to do more than forty years ago.
22: There is no grand Warren Buffet/Federal Government conspiracy that causes railroads to avoid maintenence and trains to crash or leads the FRA to skimp on oversight of rail safety. A lot of commenters seem to believe that there is... (See also #4.)
NorthWest 22: There is no grand Warren Buffet/Federal Government conspiracy that causes railroads to avoid maintenence and trains to crash or leads the FRA to skimp on oversight of rail safety. A lot of commenters seem to believe that there is... (See also #4.)
Does that include the "Burlington Northern Brought down the Milwaukee Road" conspiracy theory?
Happy July 4, by the way
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