Ed --

Do the "Friends of the 4449" have enough staff to write
"Thank you" notes to everyone who donates to the group?
I hope so, but will understand if you do not. (A form letter
is just fine, so that should not take too long, or cost too
much in postage -- or an e-mail thank-you would be fine.)

I can understand your frustration, and do know from personal
experience all the enormous amounts of work it takes to run any
steam locomotive, especially on a main line. And it takes "cubic
money' to run these beauties. Please remember -- today's
"freeloader" may be tomorrow's paying passenger -- or not,
depending on the person's ability to pay for tickets. I also do
encourage people to contribute whatever they can afford
to the group that has to pay for running the locomotive. If people
cannot afford $44.49 (to the 4449), even a few dollars will be
appreciated, I am sure.

(I think I also owe the "Friends" a donation, because I have been
enjoying watching the SP 4449 from afar, via YouTube and photos
on various sites.) There is simply no way I can afford to pay the group
what you deserve and need for preserving and running the SP 4449.
She is priceless.

Margaret