Re: [VIC] headboards, nameplates and non authentic liveries. (was: [VIC] Steamrail headboard)

["Exnarc" <gwrly@netspace.net.au>]

Stuart Thyer <s.thyer@anatomy.unimelb.edu.au> wrote in message
81uuat$pus$1@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au">news:81uuat$pus$1@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au...
> I'm going to wade in just briefly and give my 2c worth as a Steamrail
> volunteer (beyond that I'm not going to get involved in an arguement, they
> can't be won or lost).
> I remember when we ran the last train to Stratford many years ago and as a
> gesture of goodwill, took off the headboard from the loco so fans could
get
> the shots. The derision at the headboard, steamrail and general cheers and
> carrying on really pissed off quite a few volunteers that day. You can
thank
> the people there that day largely for the current policy of Steamrail to
> leave the headboard on regardless. Most volunteers thought that the
> organisation that has restored as much equipment as Steamrail that they
gave
> their time to deserved better than that kind of attitude, so if you f&^%*$
> us then we'll f*^%$ you.
> Personally I'd like to see the headboard come off at more photostops, but
> generally left on while running. I think that if the passengers have paid
> their fare, especially on the longer trips, they deserve to get the shots
> without the headboard occasionally.
> Stuart Thyer
> Photographer
> University of Melbourne


Good point Stuart,

I agree that at photo stops for paying passengers that would be a fair
thing, however most of the complaints you hear are from non paying
photographers who either chase the train by gas gobbler or situate
themselves trackside. I've got no problem with people taking trackside
photos (I've done it myself) but the essence of the Headboard is Advertising
for Steamrail. So if they removed the boards at photo stops the people who
subsidise these trips could get their monies worth, whilst those who don't,
will have to put up with the Advertising.

As an Enginemen who, before leaving V/Line did a lot of Steamrail Steam
Specials, I won't accept criticism of Steamrail Voluteers, they do a
fantastic job and in the case of the loco servicing crews, are worth their
weight in gold (or should that be coal)?

Regard,

Bob.