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Re: Steam Today, TRAINS special issue #3
Author: Lincoln Penn
Date: 04-02-2008 - 10:33
Have to agree with you, Mark. Those who SHOULD learn from it won't; either they won't read it, won't understand it, or will reject the message out of hand because it contradicts their cherished beliefs.
Some of the recurring neophyte questions about steam locomotives and steam operations have simple answers. But it takes little bit of effort to ferret the information out from credible sources, not just a bunch of "wanna bees" preaching to each other.
For example, those who keep pushing the idea of using exotic metals in boilers or in tubes could find out why this isn't and won't be done by perusing the NBIC website and the FRA website. The latter is also useful to explain why things are done the way are done in regards to time and service and methods. The recurring claim that "....the engine's flues must be replaced every XX years....", often by people who should know better, sets off alarms about how little some of these "experts" actually know or are willing to find out. I get a chuckle every time a battle starts between several posters, none of which has a clue what he's talking about. In most cases, a simple e-mail or phone call to the party or railroad in question would easily provide the correct answers. But it must be more fun to argue that to learn! Ignorance isn't a crime, but a refusal to shut up and learn should be.
A good example is the upcomiong 3751 trip. People have been whining for years about wanting to see this engine out and running on the mainline, and it's finally going to happen. Immediately, some of the SAME people start whining and moaning about the train, the cars, etc.
Fickle, thy name is often Foamer. Hear them roar.
I guess that's why such serious issues as steam locomotive inspection, repair and operations are better left to the professionals, operating on a closed course. Do not try this at home. Your mileage may vary. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Do not use this product in the shower. Stops on flag only. No checked baggage. Eastbound trains have right over westbound trains, except runaways.
Some of the recurring neophyte questions about steam locomotives and steam operations have simple answers. But it takes little bit of effort to ferret the information out from credible sources, not just a bunch of "wanna bees" preaching to each other.
For example, those who keep pushing the idea of using exotic metals in boilers or in tubes could find out why this isn't and won't be done by perusing the NBIC website and the FRA website. The latter is also useful to explain why things are done the way are done in regards to time and service and methods. The recurring claim that "....the engine's flues must be replaced every XX years....", often by people who should know better, sets off alarms about how little some of these "experts" actually know or are willing to find out. I get a chuckle every time a battle starts between several posters, none of which has a clue what he's talking about. In most cases, a simple e-mail or phone call to the party or railroad in question would easily provide the correct answers. But it must be more fun to argue that to learn! Ignorance isn't a crime, but a refusal to shut up and learn should be.
A good example is the upcomiong 3751 trip. People have been whining for years about wanting to see this engine out and running on the mainline, and it's finally going to happen. Immediately, some of the SAME people start whining and moaning about the train, the cars, etc.
Fickle, thy name is often Foamer. Hear them roar.
I guess that's why such serious issues as steam locomotive inspection, repair and operations are better left to the professionals, operating on a closed course. Do not try this at home. Your mileage may vary. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Do not use this product in the shower. Stops on flag only. No checked baggage. Eastbound trains have right over westbound trains, except runaways.
