50 years of railroading

A friend of mine posted this on trainorders.com and I missed it when it was posted, but the post has considerable relevence to those interested in the history of the C&TS:
50 Year Railroad Career Celebrated Today
Date: July 4, 2006 07:44
Author: Nitehostler
On July 4th, 1956, a young lad named Ralph D. Ranger, Jr. started his railroad career by making his date on the SP firing 0-6-0 1269 on an afternoon job at Emeryville, CA. His first student trip was on another 0-6-0, the 1233 w/ S.L. Cleary and D.A. "Red" McLaughlin.
Both 1200s and Dan went on to work on other railroad jobs...1233 was active for awhile on the Yolo Shortline, the 1269 ran at Castro Point Point & Sacramento while Dan has enjoyed working in operating, management & as an adviser since.
I would like to say this...Dan was able to get more out of a steam locomotive than most folks I've ever met. That, and he has been one of the best teachers anyone could ever hope to have. I consider myself blessed to have spent a number of days on a locomotive with him.
A skilled writer, Dan has produced a number of pieces that have seen publication. He also wrote a hardcover book on the Pacific Coast type Shay.
Half a century is a long time to last in an industry. My hat's off to you Dan.
Tom