https://www.facebook.com/Wmsrs.../?type=1&theater
I mean, just look at it: Crap! Glorious Crap! 
https://www.facebook.com/fortw.../?type=3&theater
Look at that dusty, crappy shop. It's, oh its so beautiful . . .
The 765's shop in Fort Wayne doesn't even have a concrete floor! It's been all gravel since the building was built in the 90's. (That might finally change this winter.) However, that didn't seem to hinder our mechanical crew in getting the locomotive overhauled, running and maintained to mainline status.
Shoot, we don't even have an overhead crane. Or air conditioning. 
On a more serious note, I've deleted a few posts in this thread. Let's keep it civil, OK?
Not wanting to take sides I do think this 'discussion' is getting a bit too personal although I do believe Hot Water most likely knows through first-hand experience what he's actually talking about. I don't really know more about the 'steam program' than anyone else but I personally think it has come down to corporate maneuvering on the part of younger corporate types unfamiliar with an ongoing program and those previously responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program. Over a period of many years I've observed 'business' decisions made in the name of 'financial efficiency' and supposed 'forward strategic thinking' - commonly known as corporate speak with less than satisfactory results. There are many many situations in the business world that aren't exactly as they might appear on the surface and can be easily dismissed as "generally looks like crap" or wiped out altogether. Younger corporate managers are always looking to score leadership points with senior management so its generally out with the 'old' and in with the 'new' regardless of the reality. Not taking enough time to fully understand and or appreciate an existing program can have seriously negative results and the UP is no exception!
Originally Posted by OGR Webmaster:
The 765's shop in Fort Wayne doesn't even have a concrete floor! It's been all gravel since the building was built in the 90's. (That might finally change this winter.) However, that didn't seem to hinder our mechanical crew in getting the locomotive overhauled, running and maintained to mainline status.
Shoot, we don't even have an overhead crane. Or air conditioning.
On a more serious note, I've deleted a few posts in this thread. Let's keep it civil, OK?
Rich
The FWRHS as a 501C3 does a wonderful job on the 765 and its tender. Volunteers are a wonderful resource. A steam shop with concrete floors, overhead crane, heating, AC, windows without bird house holes makes more sense when you have to pay for your labor, meet federal labor requirements, and maintain 3 large steam engines, 3 tenders, several auxiliary tenders, a rotary snow plow and several work cars. Not to mention an ABA, a dual motored diesel and the shop diesel. If a shop gets updated every 30 years or so and you can maintain all of that equipment with less salary it makes a little more sense.
Originally Posted by Tranz4mr:
A steam shop with concrete floors, overhead crane, heating, AC, windows without bird house holes
To be clear, those broken windows and "bird droppings" were NOT present when the current manager took over in the summer of 2010. The previous management had a "standing deal" with the B&B Dept. to replace any and all broken windows whenever such occurred. All that continuous maintenance stopped during 2011, i.e. "budget cuts" by the current manager.
