Hey Bill,
I do understand where you are coming from and the frustration you
feel. I think the difference between the 22 email string and the 45s
is that the proposal that Ricky sent out is for a module that works
with our current module specification meaning that a bridge module
would replace an existing module exactly, with no additional work to be
done.
The 45s were a brand new design, with no existing module to go off of.
All we had were several sketches from Ricky and Rick. There was a lot
more work that had to be done to make sure they would work with the
existing layout.
But enough about that. Since we used the modules at WGH, there has
been no negative views about the 45s to my knowledge, so to me, this
email string is not founded as the Board has already approved the
modules for general use and storage in the trailer. In addition, we
have acknowledged that we should use the modules whenever the space
provided is big enough for the modules. Again, we have used them for
every show this year since they were introduced at the WGH show with
rave reviews from the members (and the board).
As a member of the Board, based on the information above and
acknowledging your frustration, I respectfully vote to decline the
offer to re-privatize the 45 degree modules.
Allan
Bill Lohman wrote:
caa3ebf00906081627v73bdd429x15524f6cda80eca2@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
Allan,
Thanks for your response. As I'm sure you realize, I understand
due dilligence and project processes as a Professional IT Project
Manager on large projects for The DoD, Los Alamos and a Who's Who of
major hi tech companies for over 40 years.
As such I understand the process includes Requirements
Analysis, Advanced Planning, Detailed Planning, Funding,
Production, Test and Rollout with go-no go decisions at key points and
with lots of peer and management review along the way.,
As far as I'm concerned Rick, Ricky and me did due dilligence in
all phases of the above given that it was a less structured process.
And yet we're still getting disappointingly negative words on the
process and the product. Man if someone gave me $1,000 gift, of good
looking and well functioning modules I think I'd think twice before
repaying them with negative energy.
But, whatever.
If these had been private modules none of this would be taking
place. So, I wish to revert them to privately sponsored modules and
neutralize the natterning nabobs of negativity in the process.
At this point I could not care less if the club ever uses them
again.
Please re-read the 22 email string on the Lift Out Bridge and
you'll see where I'm coming from.
I really enjoy our conversations and running trains with you and
hope this doesn't affect our relationship. But, whatever the outcome,
I've had it with the negative energy.
I recommend that you Board Members clean up your internal mess.
There are lots of other members out here that feel the same way. They
just don't want to make waves.
In the meantime, the request stands..
Regards,
Bill
On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 5:27 PM, Allan
Adelman <aadelman@austin.rr.com>
wrote:
Bill,
While I agree that there have been issues in the past, I thought those
were all put to rest. As a Board Officer, it is our job, as per our
election to the post, to question new ideas to ensure the final project
meets the goals of the Trackers. We have a duty to question all
aspects of a project because we are responsible for ensuring the new
modules will work and will last for long periods of time with little to
no maintenance required. If we don't ask the questions, then the
results may not work to the club's satisfaction and thus be a waste of
effort on the part of those making the new modules. I'm sorry if some
of the questions brought up were done in a controversial/negative
manor, but that is simply the tone that some of the members have and
none of it should be taken personally. The new modules have been used
successfully 3 time this year, so as far as I'm concerned, there is no
longer any controversy.
We have agreed to keep the 45s in the trailer as agreed upon by Ricky
who is also a member of the board. Whenever we have a show to go to,
the board also has to balance the functionality of the layout based on
the space we are given. I think most members would agree that having a
yard is more important than using the 45s, otherwise, we have no place
for staging, meaning that each track would have to stop running to
change out trains. I'm sure you will agree that this could mean the
track is down 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the train being
run/soon to be run. When we are at a show, the goal is to keep the
trains running while providing an opportunity for all club members to
run their trains.
I would hope that you would re-consider your position since, as far as
I am concerned, there is no more controversy on this matter.
Regards.
Allan
Bill Lohman wrote:
Hi Scott,
Thought I'd start a new thread as the one on
the bridge module, happily, has over twenty emails. Clearly a lot of
interest.
But, that's not what this message is about.
My topic is the continuing controversy and
negative energy being generated over the four 45 degree wide radius
corners. I'm extremely disappointed and just plain old sick and tired
of hearing about it. . Rick, Ricky and me worked extremely hard amd
gave a major good effort to deliver what we thought were approved
modules in time to make the best possible showing for the club at the
biggest show in years. World's Greatest Hobby. Only to be greeted at
each step of the process with controversy and negativity. And it just
continues on and on and on. Man, what a nasty surprise.
I think the best way to eliminate
this controversy is to have the four corners
revert to the Private Ownership of me, Rick and Ricky.
Same as with the many other privately owned
modules.
I'll store them at my place and either Rick,
Ricky or me will transport them to club events if and when they are
requested and if and when we attend. Same as with the other private
modules. Also, this will solve the trailer problem that I'm also sick
and tired of hearing about.
Then if the club ever decides to fund and
build 4 additional Club Sponsored wide radius corners and if the club
ever decides to keep all eight on the trailer, then as far as I'm
concerned the club can have the original four modules back.
If you agree, I can drop by the trailer and
get the modules and have them out of our way prior to the June Work
Session. We can simply restore the old cradle in the trailer for the
old corners.
I don't want to just go and get them without
your approval because, after all, I did donate my part of the modules,
about $500 worth, to the club. And I meant it.
Please let me know if I can drop by and pick
them up and I'll do so promptly.
Thanks and Regards,
Bill
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