I have met Jack a few times and figure he is a straight shooter. He was/is one of the firemen on the 4449 and probably still does when they run.
He also ran several trips over the years with the UP Team as a helper fireman when they were shorthanded.
Jack also has been known throughout the rail industry for decades working for one of the big 2 locomotive builders.
All this stuff is bad PR for the UP in my mind. Not good for the steam program which has not turned a wheel with steam power in how long???!!!!
The old team usually worked out details so that at least one of the engines was servicable while the other was being worked on. I remember guys like Ron Tabke, and Grizzley Adams(cannot remember his first name), just to name two of the UP Steam Machinists. They got the job done.
Now there are three engines dead in Cheyenne, two of which used to run regularly!!
Everyone got so nutty over the return of the big boy that the rest of the steam program seemed to take a back seat. Wonder how many years it will be before this monster sees service. Meanwhile nothing runs!!!
I actually had people asking me if we did a video on the big boy running to Cheyenne. I told them I generally don't shoot videos programs on dead engines. I prefer them with fire and steam instead.
The current situation(no steam) on the UP makes me appreciate the fact that the Cumbres and Toltec, and Durango and Silverton field a fleet of active steam engines year after year. Heck Durango basically runs year round now, so there are two engines there at least ready for service.
I think sometimes the NG operations don't get the credit they deserve from the steam community. In my mind its big-time steam. The only difference is the gauge!!!
Above are my opinions and nothing more.
Greg Scholl
[
www.gregschollvideo.com]
