Strathspey Railway

"‘Stop abusing our staff!’ says steam railway company defending diesel use during wildfires"

https://archive.ph/l9Euo

 

If I didn't think about it, I'd be amazed that people don't realize right off that i) diesels are being used because of the demonstrated fire risk, and, moreover, that ii) it's horrible that they are abusing volunteers who generally have nothing to do with the decision to use diesels.

Then I wake up and remember that we live in an age where people react on their emotions, instead of thinking things through.

Noel

 

Im in the area at the moment, for most of the week the backdrop has been smoke from a smouldering Cairngorms, clearly visible from Aviemore station itself and all along the line from the train. The road through Glenmore and up to Cairngorm mountain is closed and many businesses up there have been shut. It has been a herculean effort by the community, but unfortunately a large area of extremely rare habitat (& wildlife) has been lost.
Only a blind idiot could look at all that and think it was wise to put a steam loco out. Fortunately, the passengers I was with on Sunday were very understanding and didn't mind the diesel. Clearly a very small entitled minority couldn't vibrate their brain cell enough to link the 2 items.