08-12-2011, 01:34 PM
I have been very hesitant to step into this because I have seen both sides of the issue, but hoping that some of my thoughts may be passed on.
First I will tell you I have been involved with 3 different rail historical societies, and I am not impressed. I have seen donated equipment scrapped and the cash went into certain historical society members pockets. When this equipment is donated, the railroad that donates takes a tax write off, and it is usually written into the agreement that said equipment must be donated to another group in the event of group one disbanding.
I have dealt directly with several other groups that I was not a member, and quite frankly the arrogance of some of these people has caused more than one locomotive to be rendered to scrap. I personally arranged for transportation for 2 coaches (free move) but the society President was too busy to call me back. 2 weeks later the panic hit when the scrappers arrived with the torches. Tough isn't it.
If you want this equipment to be saved, start playing ball with people. Your group has created an eye sore. Just because we love trains doesn't mean that there aren't more people out there that see the dangers and liability of having this equipment sitting around. If you are going to cosmetically restore it, then get all the "whatyougottadois" guys off their butts and get it done.
When we started on the SW7 on the Y&S they were having a train festival in September. It was August 2nd when I got started. I was NOT a member of he historical society, nor were the 4 people that did most of the work. There were 140 members of this society, all saying whatyougottadois, while we got her done. Guess how many showed up for their train rides.....
So, remember be humble, and if you have folks that don't want to work, find some that will, and if they are willing to work and don't have money for dues so what. a small accident policy on volunteers is very inexpensive.
Keep the grounds neat and uncluttered. You are not a railroad yard and the public is watching everything you do.
It can be done but everyone has to work together and politicians can be a good source of revenue if you help them too.
Good Luck
Charlie
First I will tell you I have been involved with 3 different rail historical societies, and I am not impressed. I have seen donated equipment scrapped and the cash went into certain historical society members pockets. When this equipment is donated, the railroad that donates takes a tax write off, and it is usually written into the agreement that said equipment must be donated to another group in the event of group one disbanding.
I have dealt directly with several other groups that I was not a member, and quite frankly the arrogance of some of these people has caused more than one locomotive to be rendered to scrap. I personally arranged for transportation for 2 coaches (free move) but the society President was too busy to call me back. 2 weeks later the panic hit when the scrappers arrived with the torches. Tough isn't it.
If you want this equipment to be saved, start playing ball with people. Your group has created an eye sore. Just because we love trains doesn't mean that there aren't more people out there that see the dangers and liability of having this equipment sitting around. If you are going to cosmetically restore it, then get all the "whatyougottadois" guys off their butts and get it done.
When we started on the SW7 on the Y&S they were having a train festival in September. It was August 2nd when I got started. I was NOT a member of he historical society, nor were the 4 people that did most of the work. There were 140 members of this society, all saying whatyougottadois, while we got her done. Guess how many showed up for their train rides.....
So, remember be humble, and if you have folks that don't want to work, find some that will, and if they are willing to work and don't have money for dues so what. a small accident policy on volunteers is very inexpensive.
Keep the grounds neat and uncluttered. You are not a railroad yard and the public is watching everything you do.
It can be done but everyone has to work together and politicians can be a good source of revenue if you help them too.
Good Luck
Charlie