I haven't subscribed to Trains for a number of years, it has to have something involving real, heavy-duty, day-to-day railroading before I spring for a copy, but the 75th anniversary issue was well worth it.
And I have to express appreciation to the staff for striking a balance between the industry, the "peripherals" like art and preservation, and the special group of people who both made Trains the unique achievement it was at its zenith --- and successfully re-tooled it for a more generalistic audience as the "railfan community" grew.
The list was thoughtfully chosen and well-balanced -- entrepreneurs like Warren Buffet and J B Hunt, a couple of executives most railfans detested; Lou Menk and B F Biaggini, James Brunkenhoefer -- a labor leader with unique foresight and common sense, and villains and fall-guys; Ricky Gates and Robert Sanchez.
I looked hard for two names I thought deserved mention and missed it: Philip Hastings and Don Wood.
But overall, this is an exemplary tribute to a publication that, like its founder and best-remembered editor, found and filled a unique role that can never be replicated. Congratulations to all.
What a revoltin' development this is! (William Bendix)
