Re: Dorrigo 19th Century Treasures

[James Brook <ajmbrook@ozemail.com.au>]

Trevor Edmonds wrote:
> 
> Tony Gatt wrote...
> 
> > Maybe one day you fellas can prove me wrong by actually running trains up
> > there, but until then, I am certainly entitled to my opinion of you
> > operations, be it a very, very low opinion at that.
> 
> Why such a low opinion? Have you had a good look at what we are doing in
> Dorrigo?
> 
> > Nothing would please me more than for your crew to run trains, but under
> the
> > current circumstances, I still have 50 years to live of my average age,
> and
> > I can't see it happening before then. Chances are the line will be end to
> > end rusting exhibits, leaving NO room for any form of movement.
> 
> You seem to be saying that what we are doing is worthwhile, but progress is
> slow. We are now clear of the legal problems that have dogged us since 1988,
> and drained both our physical and financial resources (we spent about
> $450,000 defending ourselves).
> 
> The earthworks on the future display site is continuing. If you have not
> seen it, we are digging out the side of a hill at one end, and using the
> dirt removed to build up the other end. The depth of the cut is now well
> over 20 feet. We are constructing sidings on this area, and moving rolling
> stock from Dorrigo yard, and various other locations onto it. For the first
> time in 20 years we now have no rolling stock stored in Sydney, and much of
> the rolling stock stored in Newcastle has been moved. As we have now been
> isolated from the State Rail lines, all movements are being done by road,
> which requires more effort and expense than moving by rail - how many 44
> class have you seen on a low loader?
> 
> Perhaps you should have a closer look at us. It may change your mind.
> 
> Trevor

One of the main reasons why most people (including myself) are skeptical
of Dorrigo is because you continue to purchase locomotives and
rollingstock when you aren't in a position to look after what you
already have. The 44 is an example of this. 4401 and 4490 are already
with a heritage railway company or museum so its not like the 44 you
have is the only one left. There is a limit to what a museum can look
after. If a museum continues to collect items just because they are
available, they will get to the stage where they have so much stuff they
can't look after any of it properly. I think Dorrigo should concentrate
on preserving what they have before they begin to aquire new items,
unless it is significant and relevant to the region and no one else is
willing to take it. I don't see how a 44 is relevant to the Dorrigo line
and there are still quite a few left in NSW.
  
-- 
- James Brook -

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