Re: NNG: Can anyone just build a speeder and join a group like NARCOA
| April 21, 2016 10:32AM |
|
et&wnc Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yeah, but NARCOA and their regs scared more than a
> few RRs off and they don't host motor car meets
> anymore.
Lee,
I beg to differ. I don't know what your experience has been, or where you got your perspective on the subject, but what you describe is vastly different from my experience in the hobby since 2002. Imagine the scenario if you were to stroll into a railroad office and ask the "head man in charge" if you and some weekend warrior yahoos could borrow his railroad for the weekend.
The organization in question has found a way to build professional relationships with a large number of host railroads by addressing a variety of concerns including operator training, equipment standards, and liability. The group has its own rulebook, certification process, and operator mentoring program. They source liability insurance for their operations on behalf of their host railroads. They denounce illegal "bootleg" operation of motorcars outside of railroad sanction or authority. Furthermore, they self-police rulebook infractions and unsafe behavior through an internal process.
These guys do a commendable job navigating a complex regulatory and legal environment to source opportunities for their members to operate over private rail corridors. Without such proactive effort, this hobby wouldn't exist and many of us would have expensive lawn ornaments. The days of "here's a lineup, don't get hurt" are gone thanks to a variety of causes, not the least of which were illegal operators.
I'm not a spokesman for the group and these are my opinions. Anyone considering the hobby should visit the group's website.
Also be reminded that there's no such thing as "abandoned" track. If the track is still in place, it belongs to somebody. Any unauthorized operation in such an environment constitutes a liability for the owner.
Respectfully submitted,
-Jeff Ford
Owner/Operator Fairmont S-2 MPC-5214
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/21/2016 10:41AM by 74ford.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yeah, but NARCOA and their regs scared more than a
> few RRs off and they don't host motor car meets
> anymore.
Lee,
I beg to differ. I don't know what your experience has been, or where you got your perspective on the subject, but what you describe is vastly different from my experience in the hobby since 2002. Imagine the scenario if you were to stroll into a railroad office and ask the "head man in charge" if you and some weekend warrior yahoos could borrow his railroad for the weekend.
The organization in question has found a way to build professional relationships with a large number of host railroads by addressing a variety of concerns including operator training, equipment standards, and liability. The group has its own rulebook, certification process, and operator mentoring program. They source liability insurance for their operations on behalf of their host railroads. They denounce illegal "bootleg" operation of motorcars outside of railroad sanction or authority. Furthermore, they self-police rulebook infractions and unsafe behavior through an internal process.
These guys do a commendable job navigating a complex regulatory and legal environment to source opportunities for their members to operate over private rail corridors. Without such proactive effort, this hobby wouldn't exist and many of us would have expensive lawn ornaments. The days of "here's a lineup, don't get hurt" are gone thanks to a variety of causes, not the least of which were illegal operators.
I'm not a spokesman for the group and these are my opinions. Anyone considering the hobby should visit the group's website.
Also be reminded that there's no such thing as "abandoned" track. If the track is still in place, it belongs to somebody. Any unauthorized operation in such an environment constitutes a liability for the owner.
Respectfully submitted,
-Jeff Ford
Owner/Operator Fairmont S-2 MPC-5214
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/21/2016 10:41AM by 74ford.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter
The NGDF was started by Don Richter and is currently operated in his memory by Nathan Holmes and others. Others who have contributed to the upkeep of this board are (in no particular order): Charles McCandless, Everett Lueck, Ted Wilton, Cole Adams, James Bane, John Moellmer, Jon Bentz, Linn Moedinger, lloyd lehrer, Rod Jensen, John Craft, Steven Forney, Herb Kelsey, Bill Ramaley, Russ Sperry (El Russo Loco), Josh McNeal, John West, Jim Armstrong, Bob Bergstrom, Greg Scholl, Blake Forbes Doug van Veelen and Mark Fuller.