Shame on us and I hope....

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Gang:
Shame on us for not giving some early, or late for that matter, 
recognition to ARROW article writers! The latest issue with the Big 
Sandy and Cumberland article by Bucky and Jim is awesome! A lot of 
information that I had only heard inklings about. My brother lived 
only miles from the Roaring Camp and Big Trees RR, Felton (Santa 
Cruz), CA, so we would ride on occasion of our visits. Little did I 
know ol' # 6 was practically N&W steam! Then, how vidal the ROW would 
be to the 'coal connection'. This is a side (or end as in expansion) 
of the N&W that is nothing less than facsinating!
And thanks for the little nuggets -- early VGN 2-10-10-2 drawing and 
steam recording article from David Stephenson; Jim Brewer with a very 
helpful (always) freight car roster; Chuck Stewart and the Uncle Joe 
article (hey Chuck: Is this your first ARROW by-line?); and last but 
not least, in between shipping/ receiving NWHS Store items, Bob 
Bowers keeps us up to date on remaining N&W Diesels. By the way, 
SD40-2 6194 has been a regular in Montview Yard here in Lynchburg. 
The aging wonder must be worth something as she has been given the 
royal paint scheme with horse silouette in the NS, air conditoner, 
white brow and some stripes. Not bad for approaching 30 y.o.!
Looking at back issues, I hope someone walked up to Ron Davis, Louis 
Newton, Mason, Skip and Russ and thanked them for their informative 
articles. Just to mention two, Ron's second installment on the 
Roanoke Stations was great
(Hey-- we are talking the Mecca of late big steam here--). Louis 
Newton's article, Js in freight service, was really a story about 
grand engineering, felled by technology but still living a life, 
albeit a less graceful and noble, of usefulness. These engines closed 
out record after record of performance, at least not to face a quick 
end (i.e.: torch) but to be placed on the second string until the final show.
And finally, to our beloved Mr. Greever, thanks for continuing to put 
it all together! It is admirable to get us an ARROW so we can learn 
more about our railroads. I know that you have had some help in 
recent issues (thanks, helpers!) due to health problems but you are 
still listed as the EDITOR. You da' man! I understand that you were 
not able to make it to Srasburg. I'm sure you were missed! We all 
wish you the best!
Someone help me off the soap box...........................
Charlie Long
Lynchburg, VA