Well, this is my first public announcement of my opinion, but what have I got to lose. I worked at the NNRY from May '06 to October '07. I was hired as a diesel mechanic, specializing in the ALCOs. I with the help of others revived ALCO 105 in time for the photo shoots in '06 for MU operation with 109, which I spent many a late night smashing my head into and going over and over books, and 105 ran with good reliability until I left. I also had plans for reviving both Baldwins, and was helping with the effort to rebuild SD9 #204. In my time there I made diesel engineer, steam fireman, and brakeman, it was some of the greatest times Ive had in this career so far. Both ALCOs were running great, and we were trying to get 204 in for a good going through, renewal of power assemblies, turning of all wheels, repainting, and various other small items. Things were going downhill fast towards the end, and a great opportunity elsewhere presented itself, one where I could go expand my knowledge of steam with another great team. I was still on good terms, submitted my notice, and proceeded to go through everything I had worked so hard on, setting it in order, writing a short ALCO tip manual, cataloging all spare parts, and left all my contact information so as to help with any problems any time, trying to leave everything in much better condition than it was when I started. I left on a handshake, good terms, and the promise I was welcome back as soon as I was ready. When the time came, I made the call, about the time Mark announced that they were going to rebuild 204. To say I was anxious to return and help was putting it lightly. I was given a warm reception over the phone, and was told I'd get a answer by the next day. After a week of calling, leaving messages, and being ignored, I was told the project had been canceled. Come to find out it was still going as planned. Then the track project came around, where they were rebuilding the tracks across highway 93 to McGill, so I submitted my application to the project. I never got a call, but the story I got was my resume went straight to the trash, with mark stating that no former employees were ever going to be allowed back. I, like everyone else who has worked there, love the place, and want nothing more than to see it succeed, and would go back in a heartbeat. I love Ely, and I love the railroad, but have no care for Mark, and the best thing that could happen to that place is his departure. While everyone is focused on the steamers, in my opinion the diesels are just as big of a part of the history of the place, and I was proud to be a part of keeping them alive, as well as the steamers. Thats my 2 cents, hope it made some sense.

sincerely
Jared M Bissen