Messages

1471

Two Footers outside of the US / Re: A New Baldwin 2-4-2

« on: January 30, 2009, 08:12:07 PM »

True Steve,

How about $1100?  That works out to be about 750 pounds (sterling).
Actually, if two units were built certain costs could be shared and overall price would be reduced.  Anybody think'in what I'm think'in?

1472

Other Narrow Gauge / Re: Chinese 2'6" railroad

« on: January 04, 2009, 08:51:24 AM »

First a 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 before any "8" wheelbase.  But if we were ever lucky enough to complete the previous models, then I'd take a Baldwin 2-8-2 from India before anything "foreign".

1473

Museum Discussion / Re: Current end of track?

« on: December 30, 2008, 10:41:33 AM »

Duncan,

Thanks again for the photos.  As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Does the museum own or have easements for this whole section?

1474

Museum Discussion / Re: preservation and hokum

« on: December 30, 2008, 08:03:00 AM »

For many of us, we would love nothing more than to be there all the time.  Reality is that our jobs and family commitments keep us hundreds if not thousands of miles away.  Speaking for myself, I know what it takes to do these things.  Been there - done that.  That's why I have advocated partnering with others in order to "simplify" the process, learned that the hard way.  If some of these events were during the summer, then I would presume you would see more participation from those "long distance" supporters as it would work with vacation schedules.  It is not reasonable to expect people to participate in a one-day or weekend event when they also must add-on 10+ hour drives just to get there.  In today's world, many simply cannot get off of work for extended periods of time and keep their jobs.

That said, in addition to financial support, what we can provide is ideas and suggestions on events that either we have worked on or have organized ourselves - that are proven winners.

1475

Museum Discussion / Re: Current end of track?

« on: December 29, 2008, 07:59:01 PM »

Thanks for the pics Duncan.....  Would love to see more.  I as well as everyone else realizes that going back to Wiscasset is a looonnnggg way off.  But being the eternal optimist, I will harken back to a baseball saying, " build it and they will come ".  We have our own Field of Dreams, it's just a wee bit narrower but a lot longer.....

1476

Museum Discussion / Re: preservation and hokum

« on: December 29, 2008, 04:46:03 PM »

Now you're talkin'........  Trains, tractors, BBQ & Lobster...

I am soooooo there........

1477

Museum Discussion / Re: preservation and hokum

« on: December 29, 2008, 04:08:26 PM »

Pete,

combine a farmers market / fair with a Threshers display and you've got a winner..........  Anyone know a local lobsterman in Wiscasset who'd "bring the claws"? (wishful thinking  )

1478

Museum Discussion / Re: Current end of track?

« on: December 29, 2008, 04:04:42 PM »

It would be a great advantage to build south (in the future), for the following reasons:

1. Connect with the Rt. 1 summer traffic.
2. Connect with the Maine Eastern RR
3. Local connection with Wiscasset (historical).

There are probably more reasons but those listed will bring in money.

1479

Museum Discussion / Re: preservation and hokum

« on: December 28, 2008, 07:03:42 AM »

Smack dab on the head Wayne!!!!!!  One thing I learned was that the Pumpkin trains brought many more people than a haunted train.  It's little kid friendly........

As for a BBQ type, I'd suggest that it be done in conjunction with a Threshers event or similar.  I for one don't recommend doing the BBQ ourselves, let someone who does it for a living have the headaches.  Although hosting a BBQ competition maybe a possibility, lots of people and a really fun time...........

As many of us have said on this forum, being exactly prototypical and historical is fine as long as it brings in the visitors.  Reality is that museum or not, we are in the "entertainment/education" business and if you don't bring them in, well the alternative is not attractive.

1480

Museum Discussion / Museum Endowment Fund

« on: December 26, 2008, 05:22:29 PM »

Does our current bylaws allow for the creation of an endowment fund?  There are many museums and 501c3 organizations which have them for general contributions and also for large donations as part of settling an estate or other non-taxable donations in-kind.  If we don't, then I would suggest that we seriously look at opening one so that donations can be recieved and "high-income" and/or corporate funding can be secured.

P.S. even universities have them.  I believe that either Havard or Dartmouth have endowments in excess of $1.0 Billion.....

1481

Museum Discussion / Re: preservation and hokum

« on: December 26, 2008, 05:12:54 PM »

Wayne - Ditto from here,  well said.................

1482

Museum Discussion / Re: Let it snow, let it snow

« on: December 25, 2008, 10:06:54 AM »

You lucky stiffs,  all we had down here in PA is sleet, freezing rain, and just plain rain.  Any semblance of a white Christmas went down the drain.  May all have a Merry Christmas day and a Happy New Year.

P.S. - keep those Victorian Christmas pictures coming, at least I can dream of being in the snow.

1483

Museum Discussion / Re: Building new rolling stock for WW&F!

« on: December 24, 2008, 08:55:35 AM »

Ahh - guys,  think we have "splintered" this subject enough 

1484

Museum Discussion / Re: Top of the Mountain

« on: December 24, 2008, 08:51:44 AM »

Good points Allan & Wayne,

IMHO - before we jump into the "contractor" mode, it would serve us well to take a step back and really look at the situation carefully.  We have time as the trestle will take a considerable amount of time and money to accomplish.  I think the best route is to have a select group; whom have extensive backgrounds in construction (especially RR's and highways) get together and make a close examination of the situation(s), and then recommend a course of action to the BOD.  I still believe that the Military option may present the most cost effective solution for us although most probably not the fastest. I would suggest that the BOD authorize an advisory group be formed and that they be tasked to make an on-site determination and written recommendations for the solution - to include estimated costs. 

In the meantime I think that TOM should be the short-term end of line but that it should be developed into a station stop to be compatible with the goals of the conservancy.  It's a win-win situation for both organizations.  Realize that this is not necessarily "prototypical", but prototypical is not always compatible with today's reality.  Long term sucess for the organization is directly linked to ridership, store sales, and museum growth.

1485

Work and Events / Re: Victorian Christmas

« on: December 21, 2008, 01:44:48 PM »

Magnificent picture Stephen..   It now is the wallpaper on my computer.  Keep up the great photography..................