I have a very low opinion of folks like that- either they're transplants from (a very large state on the West Coast with an Austrian governor) or elsewhere, and they've brought all their misplaced ideas of How The World Should Be with them. Case in point: A couple from California (not picking on Cali residents, but hey, this is where they were from) moveed to rural Arizona. Their dog liked to roam the area, and got into a neighbor's chicken yard. The neighbor returned the dog, with a warning that it would be shot if it were in the yard again. OK, no problem for some time. Well...........the dog roams off the property and back to the chicken yard, hassling the fowl. The owner of the chickens takes his gun, kills the dog. The couple is devastated, writes a letter to the editor of a local paper moaning on how wrong it was to shoot a dog, keep guns, etc. The response was overwhelming- the locals so much as told them they were in such-and-such town now, and this is how things were done, and if that didn';t suit them, they should go back where they came from. The DSNG thing bothers me in several ways. True, during the dry years I'd be concerned about the use of coal, but I'm guessing the DSNG did wiah it could to reduce fire danger. Oil-burners would be OK, but not historically correct. The yuppies, NIMBYs and New Age granola-eaters who move to these areas need to realize they're not in Kansas anymore, so to speak. North PLatte, NE solved the problem of lots of whistle-blowing for grade crossings by eliminating them all- now all you hear are the sounds of switching in Bailey Yard. I have no idea how UP will solve the Elmhurst situation unless a new large yard is built well west of suburban Chicago, and that is an expensive proposition at best. As for sqealing wheels, if that was all I had to complain about, I would be either bored or living well. PS- the sight of narrow-gauge Whitcombs pulling DSNG trains is as exciting as a bowl of fish ice cream. Besides, the whiners would later complain about the smell of diesel smoke. To me, coal smoke smells better than diesel smoke any day. Sounds like some folks need to move out of town.........waaaaaaaay out of town.
How does that adage go? Something like "never let facts get in the way...." :sad: I've had some involvement in similar transportation matters. It's stunning how many fools manage to live amongst us. Even worse is knowing that all too often, they are able to have their way. mg: Boxcab E50
Yikes... Oil-fired steamers aren't too bad, but I like the smell of coal burners. Oil is really getting pricey. Coal has GOT to be cheaper to burn.
Well, everone has commented on the social aspects, I wonder about the noise itself. In 1972, I rode the subway for the first time from downtown Chicago to the north side. At certain points in the ride, the squealing noise inside the train was unbelievable. Inquiry to the trainmen at the time said it was the wheel flanges rubbing against the sides of the rails on the turns. Yes, I know it was the Elevated. I rode the Acela twice this spring, whisper quiet! Now I don't want to get everyone's shorts in a knot, but it does sound like there is a problem with excessive noise that needs to be addressed. Lets all hope the problem is resolved. The railroad always loses the political fights. America needs the railroads more than ever today! 2 cents from the peanut gallery, someone who lived within 100 yards of the right of way much of his youth.
