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| To respond to this month's Editorial, send comments to: Editorial@modelrailroadnews.com |
| Feeling Appreciated |
| Every fall, it seems, I write an editorial telling about my latest visit to a working tourist railroad and how much fun I had. While I’m not promising that I won’t write another in the future, I’d really like to exhort you to go find a tourist railroad and enjoy yourself. While you’re out and about, visit a railroad museum. Kalmbach publishes Tourist Trains each year with listings of things to do all over North America. Class One railroads and many of the shortlines have discouraged railfanning, and police agencies have been harassing railfans who have not trespassed on railroad property. I don’t care what the Patriot Act says, this is clearly unconstitutional, but this is not a place for civil disobedience. We aren’t going to get Ghandi to take up his Pentax or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to take up his Nikon. We are facing a new McCarthyism and, like the old one, it will take a while to dissipate. Meanwhile, historical societies and little shortlines have been restoring steamers and older diesels, refurbishing passenger cars, and are offering rides through some lovely countryside. When you patronize these tourist institutions, a number of very important things happen. First, you get to see trains first hand without the thunder of stampeding rail police. You can take your time and make photographs of each and every detail. Have the missus take a picture of you at the throttle. Most importantly, you can ride in a train and discover (or rediscover) the remarkably quieting effect that trains have on you. Second, your ticket price supports this institution, helping them to pay their insurance and other expenses. You are making an actual contribution. In fact, when the National Railway Historical Society is involved (along with some other organizations, be sure to ask about this), your contribution is fully tax deductible. Generally, the money from the concession stands and the gift shops further supports the operation. The more you spend, the more you help. Third, you will often find that the railroaders on tourist lines are both approachable (if it doesn’t interfere with safety) and friendly. Many are volunteers and very knowledgeable people. If the large railroads encourage their employees to be both rude and nasty to American citizens who have an interest in trains, tourist railroads survive on goodwill. Tourist trains are actually glad to see you. Fourth, when you visit a railroad museum, even if the trains are not operable, the experience can be intensely enjoyable. Learning feels good to most people, so you should expect to experience the joy of learning. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly docents and see exhibits which may change your view of railroading. Fifth, if you live near such a facility, consider becoming a volunteer yourself. Yes, I know the demands on everyone’s time and all that, and perhaps you feel that you don’t know enough about trains to help, but really, talk with them about volunteering and see what you can do to help. You will join the camaraderie of the volunteers and become one of the gang. Along the way, you’ll learn about trains and railroading. It can be very fulfilling. At the bottom line, we all are seeking appreciation of some sort. You aren’t likely to get much approval from any large railroad. From news stories of railfan harassment to the absurdities of the licensing debacle, Class Ones have bent over backwards to send the message that they don’t like us and want us to go away. On the other hand, the legions of volunteers who wipe down large steam locomotives and clean out the passenger cars really want you to come visit. Otherwise, why bother doing all that work? They will smile, shake your hand, and say nice things to you. It only makes sense to go where you are wanted and appreciated. |
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— John Sipple
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To respond to this month's Editorial, send comments to: Editorial@modelrailroadnews.com
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