I think Americans have been cheated. From the 1930s-1950s, my great-grandfather, Paul McIntosh, MS, was an engineer who worked for a medium sized electric rail line in my State (a Master of Science engineer, not an "operating engineer"). Small and medium sized lines could not subsist entirely on dates and freight charges, however, they were able to succeed by the assistance of a Federal subsidy.
The arrangement didn't last. Petroleum corporations made little profits from local rail lines, which, like the Inter-Urban Railroad my great-grandfather worked for, often used electric locomotives. In 1953, the resentful petroleum lobbies, at the instigation of Rockefeller-owned Standard Oil, prevailed over the Congress to rescind the subsidy in all of the "lower 48" states. For many rural communities that lacked access to major roads and highways, this move was crippling. Incidentally, my great-grandmother, Amanda McIntosh's family had owned a family ranch in northwest Missouri for generations. Without rail access, however, the ranch was no longer profitable, and had to be sold at an unfavorable price.
It is really a shame that USA does not invest in rail infrastructure. There is no reason why USA cannot have the sort of fast trains one sees in China and Japan. There is so much emphasis on road transportation in USA.
A great achievement on the part of Tanzania. I look forward to seeing phases 5 and 6 of the TSGR project to finally bring connectivity across Tanzania, from the shores of the great African lakes to the port of Dar es-Salaam,.
I think Americans have been cheated. From the 1930s-1950s, my great-grandfather, Paul McIntosh, MS, was an engineer who worked for a medium sized electric rail line in my State (a Master of Science engineer, not an "operating engineer"). Small and medium sized lines could not subsist entirely on dates and freight charges, however, they were able to succeed by the assistance of a Federal subsidy.
The arrangement didn't last. Petroleum corporations made little profits from local rail lines, which, like the Inter-Urban Railroad my great-grandfather worked for, often used electric locomotives. In 1953, the resentful petroleum lobbies, at the instigation of Rockefeller-owned Standard Oil, prevailed over the Congress to rescind the subsidy in all of the "lower 48" states. For many rural communities that lacked access to major roads and highways, this move was crippling. Incidentally, my great-grandmother, Amanda McIntosh's family had owned a family ranch in northwest Missouri for generations. Without rail access, however, the ranch was no longer profitable, and had to be sold at an unfavorable price.
It is really a shame that USA does not invest in rail infrastructure. There is no reason why USA cannot have the sort of fast trains one sees in China and Japan. There is so much emphasis on road transportation in USA.
A great achievement on the part of Tanzania. I look forward to seeing phases 5 and 6 of the TSGR project to finally bring connectivity across Tanzania, from the shores of the great African lakes to the port of Dar es-Salaam,.
Tanzania got their train going. California still struggling. Good for them.
By the way, when is your next book coming out? I really enjoyed the last one.
Thanks.
The second book should be out next year. I would be grateful, if you can leave a review in Amazon as it helps convince others to buy the book
Yes I did leave a review.
Thanks
Good on Tanzania with their electric trains!