Re: Pendennis Castle

["chris@enet21.com.au" <chris@enet21.com.au>]

Hi

Sorry, until this I had no problems with Rio Tinto, I have even worked on design jobs for them in Sydney (their middle
management and employees are ok) with no problems. I read and watched their dispute with unions and environmentalists but kept
my opinions to myself (it didn't affect me) or so I though.

If it unfortunate that you or any other Ditcot supporter cannot reply with any valid rebutals to my statements. All you state
"that the locomotive should be returned to the UK", As I said before the locomotive is a one of a kind and  alot of
Australians will never get the chance to travel overseas to see things like this. The British have a  "aladins cave" of
historic items from Australia and other places gathering dust in their museums (for example the original constitution of
Australia). I cannot see cries in the UK that these should be returned or given as a "measure of goodwill".  Even if the
locomotive stayed in Australia, the balance would still weigh heavily in their favour.

regards

Chris

James Brook wrote:

> chris@enet21.com.au wrote:
>
> > Greetings
> >
> > I really wonder at the mental capability of some people.
>
> With a statement like that, I wonder too.
>
> > "the loco belongs in the UK"
> >
> > How you people react if it was decided by the Australian Government that it was handing all foreign exhibits and art
> > in every Australian museum back to the country it originated from?
>
> With some items I think they belong in their original country especially if we are not in a position to look after it
> properly ourselves. In an art gallery a painting is properly looked after and preserved, but we are not in a position to
> look after any more locos than what we already have.
>
> > Like it or not, the locomotive is a historic exhibit, it is in Australia as a one of a kind,
> > the UK has at least 7 examples at last count (not including hair brained plans of building more).
>
> And we have enough trouble looking after what we have without collecting "one of a kind" locos from the rest of the world.
>
> > It should be placed in a Australian museum where the average Australian can admire it. I really doubt if the average
> > UK citizen will miss it. The only ones who will are a bunch of middle to old aged train "nuts" who will all be dead in
> > 15-20 years time.
>
> And will most Australian's really understand the significance of this loco. Out here it is nothing more than a curiosity
> without the historical significance to Australia that a loco like 3801 has. It has a better chance of being looked after
> properly in the country where it does have historical significance.
>
> > How long do you think steam runs will be allowed by the EU to continue?What about tourist railways?
>
> > From a economic point of view the UK rail preservation movement is really over capitalised. Some UK locomotives in the
> > future will have trouble finding a new homes as funds run out due to a aging membership. (it is happening here too)
> > Young people are not into "playing trains" as much as the older generation.
>
> I'm 18 and although there aren't that many, I know I'm not the only railfan of my age who helps to restore or maintain
> items of our railway heratige. And after reading this statement of yours, how can we justify having to look after
> something that is not relevant to Australia's railway history when we are facing problems like this.
>
> > I don't care if it is donated to the Powerhouse Museum, (probably a better place) as long as I stays in a Australian
> > museum.
>
> Out the back, locked away in a storage shed I suppose. Is this what you really want?
>
> > I am really suprised at you guys sense of "aussie fair go" with regards to a shady deal done between Rio Tinto Plc.
> > and the Ditcot rail museum.
>
> I don't care who made the deal. All I am worried about is the locomotive, not Rio Tinto and any problems you have had with
> them.
>
> --
> - James Brook -
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> e-mail:
> mailto:ajmbrook@ozemail.com.au
> Victorian Railfan Web Site:
> http://www.railpage.org.au/vr/
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