John E. Bull Wrote:
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> My apologies to DRG223 if it hit any young nerve
> and to the some readers of the thread but it
> provided the intended response. This question got
> 3 to 4 times the expected result from what you
> could normally expect.
> After it got past my ruff approach, many good
> answers came out and we all learned some of the
> background answers for the question.
>
> Basically the track is in the best condition ever,
> maybe even better than the 1930s if they are able
> to keep up on any soft spots that develop account
> of lingering water under the center of the ties.
> When you raise track and tamp the ballast under
> the rails, space under the center of the ties is
> left open and could collect water. If the stone
> under the rails on the low side is still clay
> account the raise of track was not enough, the
> water will not drain out and will start pumping.
> You can see this if the rails become yellow with
> mud. Work is in the plans to raise more of the
> line and tie jobs are still taking place. The
> hopper cars have been repaired/rebuilt and can
> deliver stone faster. A better distribution door
> or method is needed as the tie under the car
> against the wheels waist too much stone to the
> shoulders. Use pans, come-along on the doors, or
> install ballast doors on the cars to control the
> dump.
>
> The shop is functioning nicely, even through the
> winter and the railroad condition will not beat
> the engines up as badly as in the past so the
> crews can better stay ahead of the minor repairs
> and work on the bigger jobs of upgrade of new
> engines. You do not need to fear a truck frame
> breaking like the start of last years' season.
> Many of the skilled employees, most who love the
> job, have returned and that is looking up. Some
> of the new problems with personel are being
> addressed with new programs. Marketing is where
> costs are being cut, or should be cut and live on
> the benefit of prior year marketing. Just let
> everyone know you’re out there and you’re running
> daily.
>
> Thanks greatly for the quick follow up to this
> timely question that the young DRG223 asked. He
> will also learn that some manager in the business
> he works for can kick you around from time to time
> and make you take the lumps.
You said "Marketing is where costs are being cut, or should be cut and live on the benefit of prior year marketing"
I respectfully disagree. IMHO the opposite is what should be done. All the great track and all the other things that are so much better don't help keep the railroad running, its money that keeps the railroad running and that means more riders.
