Shop Access
First of all we all need to remember the C&TSRR must be run as a business. INSURANCE premiums probable couldn't be paid if a NON employee got hurt. No insurance no railroad. Maybe the Friends would consider building a walkway around the shop so visitors could look in the windows.
The railroad has posted and is advertising our train to run 6 days a week, 8 trains per week. This requires 3 engines and they have to make sure 3 engines are ready. I understand Kim has increased the hours to 5 days a week now up from 4 and added an employee to make sure 3 engines are up and running. Every time anyone is in the shop asking questions and having employees pose for pictures work is interrupted. Our railroad I am told is on a very tight but workable schedule and the last thing they need is to be interrupted. Once you get in the grove and things are going well you DO NOT need to be interrupted and then have to start over again. This is wasting time and the railroad does not have time to waste if we are going to have 3 engines.
I enjoy the up-dates and especially the pictures that go along with the up-dates as much as anybody. I can do without them until there is 3 engines under steam. They need to do whatever is necessary so there is NO doubt about having the engines necessary to fill the announced and advertised schedule. I have been asked by many why I never go to the shop. The answer is the same every time I am asked. " I DON'T WANT TO INTERRUPT THEIR WORK. "
Once last thing. With the super bowl coming up and thinking about football. ARM CHAIR quarterbacks don't win super bowls. Kim is the manager of this team and she has to make difficult decisions and I believe this was difficult for her. If we are going to be true fans of this team we have to get behind the decision makers and offer our support. People going over and going in the shop and taking pictures may be educational and entertaining but NOT near as important as having 3 engines for this season.
Just my opinion. Flame Away.
..................................