REPORT 16-3; also DISPATCHER XI
IN THE GLARE OF THE HEADLIGHT - regular series by G. J. Oliver
I. The effect of the passing of Proposition 17 in the last election (what was Prop. 17, you ask!) was not long in appearing and many skilled workmen in the form of Locomotive Firemen are now looking for jobs (if any of you have use for any first class Locomotive Firemen, please contact the writer). A few were given "comparable" jobs, mostly switching, but how many such are there in an industry that is reducing its forces all the time due to automation and other efficient practices?
Most took severance pay, fairly generous, but small compensation to men who wanted to railroad because they loved the job and most of whom were fulfilling a boyhood ambition of working up to Locomotive Engineer.
A man must love railroading to stick with it as there is little attraction in the hours, time away from home, lack of real family life, and considerable hazards; any workman who loves his job is a better workman than one who is just putting in his time until payday.
The writer, one of the lucky ones who did achieve his ambition and stuck with it in spite of the drawbacks above plus six years of being furloughed during the depression, feels deeply for these men, many of whom he has worked with, and their innocent part in the present day "American Tragedy."
II. Engine watchers have noticed that the San Diegans are mostly powered by single "Alcos" for trains up to eight cars. As, from Monday through Thursday, most of the trains have only six cars, it is no trouble to make the time, even making up ten to twelve minutes under favorable running conditions. Eight cars takes all the breaks to bring in on time, but in a way is an easier job for the engineer as there are only two positions used for the throttle, closed and wide open.
Most of the enginemen prefer EMD power as it is quieter and much more responsive, but one has to respect the Alcos; they smoke and cough and are as responsive as a span of oxen, but they will, move a train. Also, they ride much better (six wheel trucks) and we like that long nose out in front of us just in case someone disputes the right of way with us. However, the company doesn't consult the engine-men as to what power to buy or use on the trains, so we take what's there and take of into the smoggy yonder.
RAILFAN ORGANIZATION OFFICERS
RHSofSD Inc. Dwight Couch, president; Jack Stodelle, first vice presidant; Wal-ter Silberhorn, second vice president; Mrs. Gladys Skeen, third vice president; Robert Coye, recording secretary; Mrs. Barbara Thomson, corresponding secretary; Fred Finke, treasurer; Clifford Skeen, historian; and Corky Thomson, excursion director. Earle Swaine, Charles Rezek and Donald Decker are directors. Publications are: Newsletter, Corky Thomson, editor; and Dispatcher, Eric Sanders, editor.
PSRMA Inc. Stanton Kerr, president; Terry Durkin, vice president; George Geyer, secretary; and Charles Gerdes, treasurer. Board members also include William Woot-ton, past president, and Walter Hayward, museum committee chairman. Publications are Report, Eric Sanders, editor, and affiliation with Dispatcher. Excursions are in charge of Wallace Duthie.
SOUTHWEST RAILWAY LIBRARY - Phil Middlebrook, president; Eric Sanders, secretary-treasurer.
ORANGE EMPIRE TROLLEY MUSEUM - Raymond Ballash, president; E. J. Von Nordeck, vice president; James W. Walker, Jr., secretary; Newell McCracken, treasurer; Roger D. Fogt, Norman Johnson and William Bauer, directors.
Addresses: RHSofSD: P.O. Box 9351, San Diego 9; PSRMA - 10830 Fuerte Drive, La Mesa; SRL - 2744 Columbia, San Diego, O.E.T.; Box 501, Perris, California
REPORT:. Mail to 7861 Normal Avenue, La Mesa, Eric Sanders, editor. 15¢ per copy.
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