Mending The Rails - The Unsung Heroes

The trains keep rolling along oblivious to what goes on behind the scenes, the only concern is to reach their destination. Often they do so unhindered and the journey is simple. Sometimes the journey is less than ideal, maybe the train is held up due to timetables, delays or weather conditions. Today’s railroad infrastructure is complex, there is a myriad of people needed to make the system work, together with sophisticated computer technology, communications and the need to work as a cohesive unit, with one goal in mind ….. to get the train to it’s destination. Some jobs are glamorous others not so, railroading is often a laborious task, demanding dedication and a willingness to make the railroad succeed. The railroad must concern itself with several factors to make it successful. To the casual observer a passing train is seen as a nuisance, something that “get’s in the way” of everyday life. To a certain group of dedicated professionals a passing train is a sign of pride. It means that they have done their job and kept the railroads moving. These people are the “Unsung Heroes”, the “Maintenance Of Way” crews.