To: All Trainnet Members
From: Bob Moore, WV Rail Scenes
c/o David Paleg (71321,3564)
November 9, 1994

URGENT!  NS STABS STEAM!

   On 10/28/94, Norfolk Southern announced plans to end their outstanding
Steam Excursion Program, long recognized as the safest, most-efficient,
and most professional operation going (for 28 years!).  The last trip
is scheduled between Birmingham & Chattanooga on December 3rd.
   NS Officialdom cites increased traffic commitments and observes that
personnel, equipment and economic considerations outweigh continuation
of the most dynamic public relations tool any railroad could have: Two
of the world's largest and most advanced steam locomotives in operation
(4-8-4 Class J #611 & 2-6-6-4 Class A #1218). 
   Reliable sources say that these locomotives will be "cosmetically
restored" and returned to the museum exhibits from whence they came.
The excursion rolling stock will return to Roanoke, Va. and an as yet
undetermined disposition. 
   The Birmingham (Ala.) Steam Shops will be CLOSED and the equipment
contained therein is to be SOLD.  Birmingham Shops is the best equipped
professional Steam Locomotive Overhaul Facility east of the Mississippi.
Its closing would have adverse effects on future maintenance of steam
locomotives operating in the east.  Can we afford the loss of this
technology?
   Many thousands have enjoyed (paying for and) riding these excursions
The Steam Excursions have become a big boost for tourism and local economies 
of a number of communities (many of them historic former railroad towms),
not to mention a source of income for sponsoring organizations.  The very
appearance of one of these giants provides an entire younger generation
with an unparalleled opportunity for a true appreciation of a part of
living history that in any lesser form defies description. 
   Finally, I have not seen a single advertisement anywhere that gets your 
attention as effectively as an operating steam locomotive in its native
environment (on the high iron).  
   Folks, this is not to criticize Norfolk Southern or the way that they
do business.  (These steam locomotives set the standard of "Precision
Transportation" for which NS is known.)  This letter is to briefly
outline what is at stake here unless NS management changes its mind.
   A group has been formed to solicit letters of support for the NS Steam
Program and to encourage NS officials to rethink their decision to end it.

   TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.  It is very important that cards and letters on
this subject be promptly sent to:

                          SAVE OUR STEAMTRAINS
                          P.O. Box 4611
                          Roanoke, VA.  24015-4611 
                          
   Cards & letters will be forwarded to Mr. David R. Goode, President & 
Chairman of Norfolk Southern Corporation in the first week of December.

   For more info call: Paul Howell (703) 344-2619 or Ken Miller (703)389-3935.
   Further inquiries may be made by calling me at 1-800-343-2148 between
4 PM and 10 PM (EST) through November 30th, 1994.
                                      
   It's up to all of us who care to STAND UP FOR STEAM on Norfolk Southern!

           Thanks for your time,
           
                           Bob Moore