Tom,

All good points, all excellent examples of where the sum of the effort is far greater as a result of cooperation. One thing I know, is that bitchen about it doesn't accomplish very much, at all. I really believe that sharing collections, equipment, and efforts is a great example to follow, and it attracts more visitors, because it's not the same old stuff. I also believe that common efforts with some of the academic folks on archiving and showing the historical pieces, things like old plans, documents, timetables and the like can be a worthwhile effort.

Money and organizational resources are key preservation and restoration. Without funding and the plenty of experienced personnel (volunteer or paid) properly equipped to maintain them, these collections are just static displays of old scrap to most folks, who were born after our now fuzzy memories of things like streamliners and steam were made. Sharing efforts at fundraising and community education, sponsorship and membership development, are critical. In that, I see a need to really work together, especially in a time when those resources are pretty scarce.

One of the biggest problems is that the aging population of volunteers and supporters needs to be replenished. The future of these collections depends on understanding how future generations learn about railroading, and how it relates to their actual experience, which comes from riding Muni, BART, Amtrak, or Metrolink, and seeing double stacks roll past for most people under 40. They have no memories of sidings full of Santa Fe ice refers with passenger train logos, or manned RPO mail cars, drumheads, or of steam, but they like to ride trains.....!

So how we create new railroad memories, through the museum, historic, or rail tourism experiece that builds that lasting bond to keep up this heritage? I think only by working together sharing operating equipment, collections, experienced personnel, and marketing among the preservation community. I also think by more expansive educational outreach in our communities, and working with rail passenger operators, to share that sense of purpose and power when an 844 or 3751 rolls by, or a surfliner races along the Coast, and market that great experience to those future generations.

Positive efforts......

BOB2