HTBrandes wrote:Regarding Mr. Cowford's experience:
As a customer, I apologize if you were not met with a smile and treated courteously. However, as a railfan and as a courtesy, it would have been appreciated if you would have brought your concerns to our Executive Director instead of slamming us on the Internet behind our back only for us to find out about your experience through connections we have with other railroads. Yes, we all work together for the betterment of all of the railroads. We don't compete with each other or do things that make one of us look better at the expense of another. If I had an issue with my friends at WW&F, it would be discussed in person in private, not plastered across the Internet without their knowledge. The 2 foot community is a small community, we work together and respect each others efforts.
Yes, there is dust in our museum. We are a volunteer intensive organization that works in tight, rented facilities that we don't own. This is our achilles heel which fortunately WW&F does not have to worry about as they are property rich. As was mentioned in this thread, we have been very generous in the leasing and lending of our equipment to other railroads. Currently we have equipment in at WW&F, SR&RL and at Bridgton. Our mission is preservation of Maine history not just in Portland.
As for the city of Portland...don't bother to contact them. They have done nothing for us and we are not on any of their land. In fact, the have done everything possible to not have us thrive. Latest example of that is when they kicked us out of Franklin Street. We lost exposure to the public and the accompanying revenue.
It's been a tough economy, especially this year. Many volunteers at MNGRR have given countless hours to get us where are today. Are we there yet? Not necessarily, but that does not mean that we are going to give up. We have many plans in mind for 2010 and beyond. These require manpower and money. Donations and volunteer hours are always welcome as they are part of the answer.
Does WW&F get it? Of course they do. They ARE a class organization. But don't glorify them at our expense. We all work hard and give a lot so that all the two foot railroads can prosper. Discussions like this do not help any of us.
Hans Brandes
Vice President and Steam Engineer - Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Life Member - WW&F
Anywho, I can understand that Portland would try to keep you guys from growing. I've been working with the group trying to keep the depot in East Brookfield from being demolished, but I've been finding info that CSX was storing stuff there that could cause an enviromental problem. I was up there, and i'm assuming the same lady was at the counter during my visit last summer, and she seemed very friendly.
As for the dust on the displays, I didn't mind . What are you supposed to do in what appeared to be a converted garage, create a cold fusion reactor? I understand why some people are frustrated by what has happened to MNGR, and i don't blame them. I'd be frustrated to if i got that kind of reception when i visited, and to see it decline.
Guys, we shouldn't be bashing MNGR. If anything, we should see what we could do to improve their situation. While i love a good underdog story, I'm not in a mood to see this develop into a Golden Gate scenario, although it has benefited both the PLA and Golden Gate.
....anyway....what is the current status of Engine 4 and Engine 7? Is steam still operational here?