Learning from the Tragic Accident in Medina

From Keith Kinney, Evansville, Ind.:
"I attended the Pawnee steam school in Boonville, Ind., a couple of years ago. I found it very informative. It won't make you an engineer, but it will provide you with a lot of good, useful information. At Boonville they didn't have any engines under steam. It was more of a lecture with slides, props, handouts, etc. Well worth my time."

From Rick Mannen, Lynden, Ontario, Canada:
"A car load of us went to the Pawnee school in Rushville, Ind., in 2000. We all agreed it was a worthwhile trip. We can always learn something new no matter how much we think we know, and it is nice to be able to speak directly with people who have experience. As in all things in life, you take out of these things what you can and build a file of information in your own mind and use common sense to put all this data to good use. In light of the recent disaster, it would seem as if these schools are even more important! If nothing else, they give us all a good kick in the backside now and then and make us think about engine safety and sensible operation. The steam traction engine is more than just a platform to power that nice, big, shiny whistle you always wanted to blow!"

How individual owners and operators respond to Medina is their own business. Yet, it's important to appreciate the ripple effect an event such as this can create. If a public threat is perceived, displaying operating steam engines could be threatened. If we want to ensure our hobby's future, it will be up to us to take control and lead by example.

Richard Backus is editor of Iron-Men Album. Contact him at 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609-1265, (785) 274-4383, or email: rbackus@ogdenpubs.com.