OH BOY! Well, I really can't post here what I really think of Frank and his post! I do not think you can find any posts ANYWHERE where ANYONE from Railstar is boasting or calling us "heros"! This is ridiculous at best! Frank, what do you think we stepped into at Silver Plume...you make it sound like we opened the doors on a completly outfitted shop. It was a miricle that GTL, Inc. left the toilet paper holder in the shop restroom! Do I think we deserve any overt kudo's....nope....but we did do a great job with what we had to work with. Railstar did not create the situation between GTL, Inc and CHS....BUT....BOY, have we had to suffer the slings and arrows of the horrible situation created by others....so, for God's sake, can't some of you get it....GTL, Inc. ain't commin back!!!!!! Good, bad, what ever...Railstar is here, doing the job, doing the best with a shitty situation THAT WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH CREATING! I know, that some of you will NEVER be happy with anything concerning the post GTL, Inc. Loop and CHS, and that some of you will never think Railstar can ever do a job as good as the former operators...Well, I get that, I understand, and respect the loyalty for GTL, INc....I can only hope that someday all of this crap will cease. Inspite of what you read in the Courant and hear from some ignorant arm chair quarterbacks, to whom have no idea of what it takes to get a train up and down the Loop, I will stand firm in my deep appreciation and respect of how our crews and managemnet have held up to all of the @#$%& thown on us. CHS has NOTHING to do with Railstars interest in developing a program of building Shays, yes, it would help on the Loop and maybe, someday the AC. Railstar has other interests in the tourist railroad biz. If anything, Railstar should be given extra credit for sticking with it inspite of all the bullshit!
I am NOT trying to start any flamming....as a matter of fact and record, for the past two years I have really held my tounge and I have tried to post well thought and honest responses. I don't mind opinions, even if they are not the same as mine...but I do mind un-truths just for the sake of flamming. The endless debate on the GTL,Inc./CHS situation will never end and that discussion means little to me and the job I have to do. I respect everyones right to opinions...but, it really rankles me when it comes to beating up on my guys and the great job that they did. Do some of you REALLY think that the crews of the former operator are the ONLY people on the planet that know how to run, maintain or operate a train? Now...don't go nuts! I have stated MANY times my deep respect and admiration for Lindsy, Rosa and the buisness that they created and the standards that they set....it is always my goal to reach for those standards!
