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[NSTier] An open letter to Railpace Newsmagazine and the railfancommunity



From: Charles Smith <"cwsmith3_@_bellatlantic.net">

Everyone receiving this message knows about the service difficulties CSX
and Norfolk Southern have suffered since the Conrail breakup. I write
this to address the growing anti-Norfolk Southern sentiments expressed
in emails and print. The comments in recent issues of Railpace disturb
me the most. This publication was the leading eastern railroad news
carrier for many years. The August editorial contained a blurb about
both railroad’s problems followed by a diatribe against NS laced with
words like “arrogance,” “stupidity,” and “corporate greed.” Railpace
wrote about outlawed trains all over NS while curiously omitting the
problems on the Hudson’s western shore. Not even NS locomotives could
escape the flurry of insults. Headlines screaming “anything but black”
were followed by “colorless,” “bland,” “visually unappealing,” and the
“dreaded NS black.” Why didn’t the Danbury Museum’s Penn Central
restoration receive this derision? Dig up the Lehigh and New England and
kick them around the railroad graveyard while you're at it. This month's
issue with the “achtung” reference to the railroad’s “nazi southern”
moniker was the final straw. These frivolous comments have no place in
the body of a news publication. I'm sorry to say that this ends my
support for Railpace. Going forward, Trains is my magazine of choice.

Items offered as news should contain some insight on the causes for
train delays. Insults, slander and rumor can be left for private
communications. Norfolk Southern earned Harriman safety awards and, in
one survey, was named America’s most admired railroad. Their hard
working men and women deserve your respect and admiration. In short,
unless you have something meaningful to contribute – KNOCK IT OFF!

Sincerely,
Charles Smith

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