(erielack) Re: A valid question, a cruel reply

[Joel McEachen <"jmcea_@_earthlink.net">]

This is indeed a cruel, inappropriate reply to a valid question to a
forum unquestionably populated with knowledgeable, well-read railroad
afficiondoes (normally over-)eager to spread their learning and
experience.  More than once I have read a rail bureaucrat quoted on this
media as saying to the effect that he would never hire a railfan, they
are too knowledgeable and "too willing to spread that knowledge."

I collect books on northeastern railroads, I am mainly interested in
their economic contributions to the country.  I have tried to pick up
volumes of interest, as I learned in my primary field, theology, that in
today's publishing market, books of narrow interest usually go out of
print and stay that way, so if a volume interests you, you should buy it
and put it away for a day when you will have time to enjoy it.  My
prized possession is a copy of "The Lackawanna Story" given to me by
Perry Shoemaker in his private car (required content.)

HOWEVER, if there is an area I am interested in, I would hope that a
post here would elicit responses from others like me, with
recommendations as to books which would fit my needs, and why.  I would
do the same (I am not into steam engines formally, but if I wanted to
find a good basic - and available - book, I would hope I could ask
here.)  I live a block from the busiest branch library in Connecticut;
there are three universities within 15 minutes of my home with
respectable libraries.  Inter-library loan is available.  But I would
hope that members of this list would supply me with titles and brief
contents, as I lack the time to research all my desires, and I would
hate to give a laundry list to inter-library loan.  You fellow rail
fans, and E-L fans in particular, are a wealth of ("Friendly Service")
information; please share it kindly.  I was just stunned by the answer
to this very valid question - here, of all places!!!
Joel McEachen

> Erielack Digest       Wednesday, January 5 2000       Volume 02 : Number 564
>Next time I'll wait till after I've had the opportunity to search
>through that old-fangled card catalog and _then_ perhaps it will be OK
>for me to post a question to the list.
>
>Sorry for lack of EL content.
>
>Dave Rutan
>- ----------
>bob gillis wrote:
>> Dave Rutan wrote:
>> > Listers,
>> > Any ideas on where I can find out about steam engine anatomy?  I'm 
>> > tired of reading about Baker valve gears when I've no clue where 
>> > it's even located.
>> 
>> Sorry but what is wrong with the youger generation. Don't you young
>> people know of libraries?  Dave, go to the Sussex County Library or 
>> the Highlands Cooperative Library Catalog ( from my bad memory but I 
>> think similar to Morris)and get some books on locomotives.
>>

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