It seems to be a good time to emphasize our policy on comments, which I admit we haven't always been enforcing. We get a lot of generic spam comments offering bizarre things like taxi services in Timbuctoo or whatever, and those are easy to spot and delete. But serious comments also need to follow some rules.
Most importantly, you need to identify yourself. If you have a Google account, that happens automatically. Otherwise, we should have your real name and not some handle.
Secondly, I would suggest that it's important to make it clear what the source of your information is, if it's not immediately obvious. As an example, I'll let the most recent comment on paint schemes stand for the time being, even though it's a violation of both rules, because it's interesting. "Zero Tolerance" is not always a feasible goal. (At least for us -- try submitting a paper to Physical Review!)
3 comments:
Well, I guess that warrants some clarification. I've commented a few times in the past but even after I provided my name they went unanswered, probably because you don't know who I am. Anyway, I'm Thomas Baker-Trinity, a college student (Luther College in Decorah, IA) and railfan. I am not affiliated w/IRM in any way but I've closely followed this blog upon discovering it as I have something close to- I believe this is an appropriate term- a hyperfixation with the Museum and its incredible collection. Since this is the easiest way I can catch up on the happenings at IRM it's also where I feel I might be able to get some questions answered. So, here are two that I'll submit again:
1)Has the museum ever thought of making paid "VIP" tours into things like the outer storage barns and yards, the diesel shop, etc. so the real rail buffs can see equipment that is usually tucked away? I'm thinking particularly as a diesel and passenger car fan where some of the museum's more unique locomotives and cars are usually not accessible.
2)I was wondering whether anyone in the Passenger Car Dept can tell me what they're focusing on these days, particularly in regards to the Museum's streamlined equipment. In the vein of the Pullman Days event last year, I've always thought IRM would be a great place to hold something streamliner-oriented given that they have one of the largest collection of "covered wagons" and passenger cars anywhere. I'm thinking in particular (perhaps someone could enlighten me) what the plans are for the Milwaukee coaches and Buffeteria, and the other streamlined cars connected to western roads: the NP Slumbercoach and 481, the Q Silver Ridge, and UP Pacific Peak. I'm a sucker for 1950s-60s passenger trains and I wondered if there were any mid-long term (3+ years) plans for increasing the visibility of the streamlined equipment as exhibits for visitors and as riding opportunities. I guess the same goes for the Diesel Department too, since the Blog is hardly ever updated nowadays so we can't see progress on the Museum's diesel fleet.
Sorry again for a super long message, but I hope this time I've followed the guidelines!
-TBT
Thanks, Thomas, that's excellent, and I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. 1) As for the idea of having tours of the barns that are not generally open to the public, that's an important question and I will try to talk to the people in charge about this. Of course, that requires people to actually conduct the tours and so forth, so it's not easy. But that would certainly be a significant addition to our mission. All famous art museums and so forth have options like that. 2) As for the Coach Dept., I can't say. But I see the guy who's in charge, whom I've known for 50 years, every so often and I'll tell him to get on the ball. Whether that will do any good is open to question! But I'll do my best. Again, thanks!
Thanks, Randy! I appreciate it!
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