Having just returned from duties as visiting Engine Crew at the Spencer event, I wish so give a Sincere and heartfelt Thank You to all of the people who made this an event to remember.
First, I would thank the people of The North Carolina Transportation Museum for the event itself, and their tremendous effort. They did a great job, and they made it look easy. Thank you also, for your fine Southern hospitality.
Thank you, Norfolk Southern, and all of its people, both at Corporate, and in the field, for your support, generosity, and your efforts. This could not have happened without you.
Thank you, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, for your support, and careful and expeditious handling of the 190 to Chicago and return. Without you, the PA would have stayed in Portland, and I would have had to stay at work.
Thank you, Union Pacific, not only for your special movements, but also for sending that fine E9.
Thank you, CSX for your special movements.
Thank you Virginia Museum of Transportation, for sending your baby down early, for us to enjoy. Judging by the number of 611 hats and shirts in the crowd, I think the fans agree.
A very special thank you, and a pat on the back goes out to all of the engine crews, and to the people in their organizations who could not be at the event. We all know what this stuff takes to pull off. There always seems to be a deadline, and Murphy shows up with his Law...and there's that deadline again. Oh, and your unit has not been out on the mainline in how long? The word dedication does not quite do you justice, and obsessed seems a bit harsh. So let's just say, You have done well, very well. Congratulations. Please step back, all of you , and take a bow.
And last, but certainly not least, a thank you to all of the people who came out to see the show. Restoring and running vintage railroad equipment takes cubic effort and cubic dollars. We lucky few are more than happy to put out the effort, (After all, we do get to play with them.) but we would not get do that if it were not for the dollars that we get from you. It is a symbiosis that benefits all. I hope you enjoyed the show.
Richard D. Hie
NKP 190
p.s. A shout out to Jim Wrinn for the gentle nudge that got the ball rolling in Portland, and to Allen Rider for his help on the NS.
p.p.s. Since I am too cheap to subscribe to trainorders, I encourage some one to copy and paste this on there, or any other site.
