I mentioned SP 4449 as being with BNSF because they continue to support the engine’s operation. SP did in fact merge with UP so technically 4449 would fall under UP heritage, however, 4449 has also held a couple other hats since restoration. The American Freedom Train made her a national star… oh, that would be another thing: see addendum at end.She also ran in black with white pinstripes and the BNSF herald for a series of Employee Appreciation Specials in the late 90’s.
As for what happens when a road already has a steamer in service: as long as they continue to maintain and allow regular operations… say a minimum of three public excursions per year, with a maximum 5yr cycle time around their system trackage, I would count that as “maintaining and supporting”.
As for other roads, I am thinking that a favorable alternative might be the donation of large capital investments (1/4 to 1/2 million per annuum) for the formation of a national railway heritage trust fund. This fund would be for the restoration to operational service of teh steam engines at the National Railway Transportation Museum in St. Louis (never been there, but from my little research, it seems to be the most diverse, representative museum of the bunches).
Addendum: Further the Trust Fund would establish a national shops facility for the creation and maintenance of a National Freedom Train. This would be scheduled to tour the US every 25 years and would include many of the artifacts that toured on the original two Freedom Trains. Operation of the NFT across their tracks would be a requirement for all roads as part of their common carrier duties. Steam power for the train would be shared with whatever locomotives are operating at the time of the train’s tour.
As for the name of the party, I consider myself a Radical Union Federalist, with a party stance of the supremacy of the Federal Government which also respects the sovereignty of the states and the rights of the people. Small, efficient, targetted government, for the protection of the people from threats from outside, while providing assistance to local government in dealing with local issues, but not interviening directly. A government which minds its own business and promotes the GENERAL welfare of the country but not providing for the general welfare of the people. (Its wordy, but it basically means it protects from international problems and national issues, but we ain’t gonna hand you a check for 20years to go and buy bags of chips and sodapop. This ain’t your parents’ welfare kiddies.)
And incase anyone is curious, I had for a time seriously considered running an independant campaign, but the truth is that I don’t want to put my family through that sort of bs. It ain’t worth it. If I was still single with no one to risk but myself, it would be a different matter. I figured with today’s society, the answer was fairly simple: create a series of videos which explained my position on different topics, post them to youtube. If you like my platform, vote for me, if not, don’t. But, as I said, the danger of becomeing a serious contender, upsetting the Dems & Reps apple carts, while infinitesimally small, just isn’t worth the mudslinging and other garbage that goes on with a normal campaign. If those idiots feel thats what is important in running for the presidency, thats fine. But with them all acting like spoiled little brats, I continue to vote for Mickey Mouse. He couldn’t screw up the government any more than the trahs that runs it now does (and I’m not just talking the president, that includes the entire legislative branch, some of the more assinine justices as well as hosts of state and local officials as well. I’m equal opportunity here, I think everyone (in government) is equally stupid.)
Okay, enough of my high horse, sorry Bob, this was NOT supposed to be a political rant… it was supposed to be a funny joke about steam loco. restoration. If this post goes too far, please feel free to let me know and I’ll come back and nuke it myself, but either way, no more comments on the Radical Union Federalist Party.
