In the end, look at reality. One large steam shop goes under and the owners in jail, and that's after leaving a trail of destruction. The only class 1 steam program had it's old heads declare war on the new guys, and more less vice-versa. Historical societies, museums, etc tearing themselves apart from the inside. Apparently there are steam locos, and historical RR's in general, that scare the bejebus out of people who are more safety oriented. None of this has anything to do with the forum.


OK, this is pretty much the way it has been since the 1980s in general terms. Nothing new about it. I think we have a situation now in which there are more perceived and real pressures on the industry as a whole and after the pandemic but before it as well, a decline in F2F conversations at large gatherings to actually get to know each other as humans. Everything has its time and then at some point doesn't any longer - this forum as well as anything else. Not dead yet, maybe not even sick relative the society in which it exists. Stop worrying about it and work on something constructive.

Clipped from the Mission Statement

Focus: The INTERCHANGE is a moderated discussion board for exchanging relevant, fact-based, information about railroad history, the crafts of research and authorship, the operation of railroad museums, railroad history groups, tourist railroads, and other related organizations.

Clipped from the Guidelines
The INTERCHANGE'S primary purpose is to facilitate the exchange of information, advice, and suggestions, not to serve as a forum for debate.
The INTERCHANGE requires all posters to adhere to a high standard of courtesy and civility. Polite, constructive criticisms, and polite responses to same, are acceptable. Insulting or inflammatory language; argument and debate for their own sake, challenging posters to “put up or shut up” attempts to chill discussions; and personal, ad hominem, attacks on other posters ("flaming") are all prohibited.

Please note that this standard is inherently subjective and is considerably more restrictive than the standards on many other railfan and railroad forums. Some people may not find it possible to express their full views and stay within this guideline. Other people may have legitimate philosophical objections to posting under inherently subjective moderation. In either case, we must respectfully ask them to express their views in other forums than this one.

Per the subjective view of your friendly moderator, this thread is not exchanging relevant, fact-based, information about railroad history, the crafts of research and authorship, the operation of railroad museums, railroad history groups, tourist railroads, and other related organizations.
For this reason, it is locked. Thank you for your understanding.

Tom Gears
Moderator