Fort Wayne RR Historical Society and #765

FYI, NS doesn't own 611 or 1218, they belong to the VMT. It would take someone with big bucks to step up and restore it, and hope there was some place willing to let it run...

I couldn't agree more Larry.  Everyone at the FWRHS deserves a huge thank you.  They are making history, preserving history and making memories.  Who would have thought, another Lima built, NKP Berk on Horseshoe curve....what a great moment.  And it would not have happened if it wasn't for NS and everyone at the FWRHS.  As for the J??...I would love it!

 

Steam fan, that's right NS does not own them, but the VMT has said they would be willing to let the 611 go.  NS has stated that if someone else was to restore/operate the 611 that they would consider allowing it on their system.  Maybe it will be a private group some day, maybe it will be NS changing their minds......Sadly I doubt it will happen but would that be a dream come true.

 

Anyone waiting for "someone with big bucks" to come along is probably going to be waiting a very long time (at least as long as it takes me to win the Powerball... ).

 

What the 611 (and eventually the 1218) needs is a non-profit organization run by a group of dedicated individuals along the lines of the FWRHS or Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (aka Friends of the 261).  A group like those, if properly managed, can develop a good plan of action, raise money and equipment through donations and selling memorabilia, gather the information and estimates needed for the restoration, and recruit volunteers to perform the needed work that doesn't have to be done by paid professionals.

 

In other words, it just needs a handful of dedicated individuals, some proper management, and some time.

 

Andy

Andy,

 

It is really a LOT more involved than that.  A system that really works is one with a fair number of volunteers, led but a core group of totally dedicated EXPERIENCED "hands on" folks, and one DICTATOR!  

 

The problem with large volunteer organizations has generally been, sooner or later, SOMEONE joins that wants to be "in control", but really has not much knowledge of the item being restored (old ship, old air craft, old diesel unit, or old steam locomotive). The FWRRHS always had EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP (the late Glen Brendal sp.). Which has NOT been the norm in many "steam locomotive restoration projects"!

 

The Friends of SP4449 organization has worked well for for some 35 years, mainly due to the fact of the "Dictator" keeps everything focused and headed in the right direction. Various "joiners" have come and gone, but when trying to "take over" from the Dictator, they quickly realized why the 4449 STILL operates, and operates WELL, and the need for "another person in charge" was NOT needed, nor desired.

 

That is why I said that "proper management" is key to an organization like this.  Strong, knowledgeable and focused leadership (a "dictator") is essential.

 

I did forget to mention the experience/knowledge aspect, though.  Even the most dedicated, honest and well-meaning group of people will never succeed if no one amongst them knows what they are doing and what needs to be done (and I'm sure that we can come up with many many examples of this throughout all aspects of life).

 

Andy

Thanks for the kind words about the FWRHS. We've got a great team. I'll make sure our members see this thread.

Hot Water is right on what sort of organization is needed to run a large non-profit effort.  FWRHS Founder Glenn Brendel used to refer to it as a "Benevolent Dictatorship".