Listers:
I have read the posts with interest and have the following
thoughts. As fans of the Burlington, we rejoice our histories and
embrace what we believe to be most admirable about the CB&Q.
>From what I have heard from many sources, I whole-heartedly
agree that Heb Wallace was an excellent GPM. And, I have
heard from many their dislike for Louis Menk.
As railfans, we should sometimes stepback and look at history
from various perspectives. Most companies operate with people
with various viewpoints. Those performing the daily tasks of
getting trains over the road rarely agree with those charged with
the task of satisfying the shareholder. That is okay; that is why
work is a four letter word.
>From my research into the history of Chicago Union Station, I
came away with a much different perspective than when I started
the effort. In fact, after the clinic this spring, I was asked by a PRR
fan why I picked on the Pennsy.
That gave me something to think about. I concluded that the PRR
I witnessed in the early 1960's was not the PRR he recalled
from the mid to late 1950's What changed?
The eastern roads were hit with the loss of passengers before
the western roads, that is what. The PRR was attempting to
stave its losses before the other roads of CUS. Hence, the
Cinncy and lesser E-W trains lost their glow in the late 1950's -
or earlier.
What does this have to do with the arguements supporting Herb
Wallace and Louis Menk. They were on a collison course. The
shareholders wanted a person to end passenger service. It is
hard to argue with the numbers. Americans were fleeing from
the trains to the road and the air. The analysis is complex and
often extremists on either side inflate a number for their sake,
but over time, the facts are hard to refute.
Now, don't start attacking me, I like the passenger trains too. But
as a student of history, I have to place many items into context
and look at the facts from several perspectives, not just the ones
I want to defend.
By 1966, the end of the intercity passenger train was in sight, at
least in most board rooms. The directors of a corporation are
charged with the responsibility of sustaining the corporation. If
orders are given to end a segment of the business because no
growth and only losses are predicted, they act, regardless of
personal feelings or wishes.
While Herb is remembered by many for doing an excellent job
and Louis is reviled, let's keep in mind that they were both
railroaders with a job to do in an extremely contentious period. If
you don't believe how contentious the era was, reread the earlier
posts and look at the emotion.
I regret not having met or interviewing Herb. It is a sad day.
Regards,
Ed DeRouin
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