They've done the same thing to us (NHRHTA)! Some RMNEers tried to boss the TC on the NHRHTA forum into having Atlas put 529 on the production RS-3 despite the fact our obligation to prototype accuracy would be to suggest 551 and 559 due to the different features. Its a two-way street, Noel.
It should be noted that an RMNE member
suggested (not BOSSED the Tech Committee) that one of the Atlas NH RS-3s carry the 529 number, as there would be some market for a model with that number. Atlas did indeed make a special run of NH 529s; one shop, the Hobby Gallery in Wolcott, CT, sold 60+ and I suspect there are other shops that decided to stock the 529 model.
They may not act like snobs to you (why would anyone want to - you are a nice guy), but my experience isn't so pleasant.
David, you've been extended many invitations to visit NAUG and ride engine cabs, get yard tours, etc.-- in short, to see what RMNE does, because you have more than a casual interest in, and knowledge of rail preservation-- that you would appreciate the opportunity. I don't recall seeing you take advantage of the invite. Why do you say your "experience isn't so pleasant"??
Now, on to the subject of NHRHTA and RMNE: In prior years, there was a considerable cooperation between the two organizations, so much so that the RMNE's 1991 plans for a permanent New England Railroad Museum at Danbury included an archive building for NHRHTA's archive materials, and NHRHTA was listed in the proposal document as a sponsor of the Museum. And that's just one example of many. More recently, RMNE has on two occasions, offered to operate for NHRHTA on the Sunday of the NHRHTA's Reunion Weekend, and do the special sort of railfan-oriented stuff--runbys, freight train, etc.--that the NH fans would like. No interest on the part of NHRHTA's management; wonder if the reunion attendees might have liked it?
It is pretty clear that the current NHRHTA leadership has little interest in full-size preservation (none of them have visited in 9+ years, despite invitiations by RMNE). Many RMNE members are NHRHTA members; it seems that the reverse is not the same.
As to the issues of earlier this year, the "brick for a brick" and the "what color does 0401 get painted?" controversies: first, the EF-4 loco is not a priority project, and if someone wants to initiate a fundraising project for it, perhaps it would be best to discuss it with RMNE before springing it on RMNE in a public forum. There are other issues with that proposal that were not well thought out, but RMNE is labeled as "uncooperative". So be it.
Second, the 0401 project-- see Otto's on-target commentary above. Why not finish the 0401 before anyone worries about paint?
The NHRHTA group has chosen to censor the thread on their forum that discussed these things; that is their site, and their right to shut down discourse if they choose. It is my hope that the same does not happen here; I have tried to keep this out of the realm of personal (and organizational) attack. NHRHTA as a group does valuable work, particularly in its publications and archive effort. Obviously, my primary interest is in the preservation of the real items of the NH (and other N.E. roads), and I have seen little of that interest in the NH group.
To all reading this thread: The same invitations extended to David apply to others-- if you have a serious interest in railroad preservation (and are not just looking for a "free ride"), come and visit RMNE/NAUG. Tell them Harry Foster Malone sent you. Over the years, RMNE has given many people many unique opportunities to see and do things that should not exist in this day and age. We enjoy what we do, and are not stingy about sharing that fun and enjoyment.
Harry Foster Malone
Special Consultant
RMNE
Cape Anne, Maine