by CTL10D
CNJ4EVER-
What`s interesting here is there are a rather large group of young people (age 18-29) who are (were) involved with Pine Creek. A major problem is an unwillingness of older members to "pass the torch" on to us younger guys. Its not a matter of trust, most of us young guys now work professionally for railroads (NJT, Amtrak, short lines etc) The problem is the elder ones being too selfish and self absorbed to let us get our hands dirty. I truly think that some of these selfish people would rather see something not get accomplished at all than letting a younger wave of people get involved with operations/restorations, hence one of the many reasons there is no steam there anymore.
What also happened over a ten year period at Pine Creek, which drove many people away, were those self-absorbed ones interfering with people`s professional trades. Like you said, "b**ching about how every little thing should be done." When you try telling a sheet metal worker of 35 years how to do sheet metal work, a carpenter of 40 years how to do woodwork, and professional railroaders how to run a train.....when you yourself have no real experience with any of this, it tends to drive people away.
Also regarding steam, in all reality 26 could be made operational very easily and very quickly. It was put away a runninglocomotive. It needs firebox work, but thats not a huge deal with the right people involved. The boiler needs to be ultrasounded. (for years we`ve heard "The boiler is shot! That engine cant run again!") Theres no way to know for sure until it is UT`d. It may be iffy, it may be great. Who knows. If there are issues, they can be dealt with, just like any other steam railroad deals with them.
There are many people waiting in the wings, and getting some serious movements in motion to re-organize the railroad into something enjoyable for everyone again.
What`s interesting here is there are a rather large group of young people (age 18-29) who are (were) involved with Pine Creek. A major problem is an unwillingness of older members to "pass the torch" on to us younger guys. Its not a matter of trust, most of us young guys now work professionally for railroads (NJT, Amtrak, short lines etc) The problem is the elder ones being too selfish and self absorbed to let us get our hands dirty. I truly think that some of these selfish people would rather see something not get accomplished at all than letting a younger wave of people get involved with operations/restorations, hence one of the many reasons there is no steam there anymore.
What also happened over a ten year period at Pine Creek, which drove many people away, were those self-absorbed ones interfering with people`s professional trades. Like you said, "b**ching about how every little thing should be done." When you try telling a sheet metal worker of 35 years how to do sheet metal work, a carpenter of 40 years how to do woodwork, and professional railroaders how to run a train.....when you yourself have no real experience with any of this, it tends to drive people away.
Also regarding steam, in all reality 26 could be made operational very easily and very quickly. It was put away a runninglocomotive. It needs firebox work, but thats not a huge deal with the right people involved. The boiler needs to be ultrasounded. (for years we`ve heard "The boiler is shot! That engine cant run again!") Theres no way to know for sure until it is UT`d. It may be iffy, it may be great. Who knows. If there are issues, they can be dealt with, just like any other steam railroad deals with them.
There are many people waiting in the wings, and getting some serious movements in motion to re-organize the railroad into something enjoyable for everyone again.