Dear Ol' Loco Guy,
I shall quote your original question:
"Why are some of you guys so ga-ga about Alcos ? Inquiring minds want to know. Do tell !!!!"
And then I'll quote your signature statement:
"Some folks think being born on third base is the same thing as hitting a triple-Barry Switzer"
The answer to your question is IN your signature statement/moto!
There's a saying among many I have discussed this subject with that is recommended for use in these situations. It goes as follows:
From one railfan/railroad enthusiast/train buff to another, no explanation is necessary. From one railfan/railroad enthusiast/train buff to a NON-railfan/railroad enthusiast/train buff, no explanation is possible.
This, however, is a cop-out statement on the part of railfans when confronted with a critical jerk who thinks he's a normal person who is basically doing nothing but persecuting someone else for being different, no matter how tactful the persecutor is being. When that person says "I still don't understand" he's really saying that he thinks that you're weird and that something is wrong with you AND that he definitely wouldn't let his daughter date you. He's also saying that what he's interested in is perfectly alright and that what you're interested in is just plain a wrong choice on your part.
Our poster has declared in his signature statement that he has a particularly strong interest in/feeling for something that seems to be loosely related to baseball. His User ID also indicates that he might have some sort of interest in trains. Based on that, he has no excuse for asking what amounts to be a very DUMB question that he should know better than to ask!
Whether it's fishing, hot chicks, Harley-Davidsons, Vintage Warbirds, woodworking, coin collecting, Alco-haulics....whatever....every person that asks this kind of question should consider what a PASSION is.
I would say that you have a passion for something if you have a library of, or subscription to, magazines about what you're interested in. If you have a favorite subject that you like to read about in your spare time, or on the crapper, then you're guilty of having a passion. Alco-philes/Alco-haulics have a passion for ALCOS! What's your's?
I think I have clearly demonstrated that our poster has a passion for at least two things that are important to him. Let me make another clear statement. There is room for any related interest that comes under the broad heading of Railroad Enthusiasm. And I mean any!
Just look at our Forums Page. I have just about zero interest in many of the forums listed there. However, I would never think of, nor consider......for even a second.....questioning or criticizing in any way why someone else would be interested in them. Their interest in them is okay with me no matter how much it differs from mine.
Sir, consider yourself chastized. If you're interested in winning friends and influencing people positively then this is the kind of question you need to leave alone permanently.
Richard E. "Rick" Shivik
HO D&H Champlain Division
Piedmont Division NMRA
Conyers,GA