Our New Discussion Group |
MARCH 2002
Since publication of Steam at Allandale on August 31, 1998, I have witnessed among my readers a steadily growing interest in the Canadian National Railways steam operations in Ontario during the 1950s. In general, this dramatic period in our transportation history is proving to be, two generations later, the most popular era for prototype railway modellers. That the series of books we have been publishing for almost five years has inspired railroad modellers to choose prototypes based upon CNR lines described in the Allandale, Stratford and Palmerston books is gratifying to learn. For years I have been saving hundreds of letters from readers all over Canada and the United States (and indeed, a few from overseas) which describe the interest kindled by the books, as well as many individual and group projects devoted to recreating a portion of that railway scene in miniature.
In addition to the books, we have been publishing this monthly topic for almost three years. I am told there is a significant number of readers who tune in every month for a new article on this web site. I am gratified to know that the information presented here is keenly read, and that we have so many loyal followers of both the books and the monthly topics. From our beginning, however, the transfer of information has largely been in one direction; readers have not the appropriate means to communicate with the Canadian Branchline Miniatures "community", if you will, aside from writing letters and e-mails to us directly, or voicing comments in person when we meet.
In that regard, I believe it is time to create an appropriate forum for ongoing discussion of the world described between the covers of Steam at Allandale, To Stratford Under Steam, Steam Over Palmerston and future titles. In that regard, I am delighted to announce that a new e-mail list has been established at Yahoo under the Canadian Branchline Miniatures banner.
Why a separate group, why not merely discuss matters relating to CNR operations in Southern Ontario on perhaps half a dozen already existing groups? I have given that a great deal of thought, and concluded that none of the established groups has the narrow focus which will enable quality discussion of the topics which are dearest to my heart and central to the theme of all my published work (hardcover books, monthly topics and magazine articles). I do not intend for this list to be all things to all Canadian railway enthusiasts. I am not interested in attaining a large group of members. I have no intention of gradually widening the scope of discussion and thereby watering down the quality. Simply put, if you have read any of our publications and are interested in discussing those aspects relating to operations and practices within the era (1945-59), locale (Southern Ontario), railway (CNR), and operating territory (Northern and Southern Ontario Districts), this new discussion group may be of interest to you.
I am the list owner and moderator, and will approve all new members. I imagine I will have already made the acquaintance of most of you, for we are a small community. I am looking forward to discovering more about the interests of my readers, and gaining insight into how the stories of the various CNR division points circa June 1954 are inspiring you to learn more about the subject, to reminisce about the times and places, or to plan and build scale model railways based upon some branchline, subdivision, station, terminal or division which we have collectively visited through the pages of the books. I look forward to our discussions and envision that we will become a tight-knit group of people sharing a wonderful thing in common: a passionate interest in the railway operations on the CNR in Southern Ontario during the steam-diesel transition years 1945-59.
Ian Wilson
February 25, 2002
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