Respectfully, I would like to submit a proposal to honor the memory of Bob Richardson.
This season, I would like to propose that a doubble-header up to Cumbres, forget the protocol standard whistle signals, for just once.
I would like to see the whistle signals translated into Morse Code...in a salute to his beloved memory.
It would work like this.
Rounding Windy Point, the first engine would blow whistle signals..translated from Morse Code.
for B O B. Translated this would be;
_... pause _ _ _ pause _ ...
That translated into Morse is B O B.
The second engine would answer with the same signals...after the first engine had finished.
I can think of no better way to honor his memory than to hear those whistle signals echo down the valley all the way to Lobato...and in to history.
It would be called, for one day, the Bob Richardson Memorial Special, and fly white flags.
For one day, perhaps, we can forget standard whistle protocol..and remember the man.
I think he would smile....(and there should be a video camera to record the event..with sound for us all to enjoy and remember Bob!)