Railroad Lessons I've Learned !

You can pay to go to school, or you can "buy" the school,
ether way there are lessons to be learned!

[@mysterion4301]

Brian, I tackled my first efforts at resurrecting #3 1/4 mile stretches of siding in an old industrial site in '94. Prior to that I'd worked with and been a RR customer around the country since 1989. We planned to use those sidings for our chemical business and to do some transloading when we had availability. I semi-retired in '21. That effort was filled with about 25 years of ups and downs as I learned the realities of that side of the RR business. We generated millions, we spent millions. If we hadn't had the base business of chemicals, I doubt that we'd have survived on transload alone. In all that time we only landed a few long-term contracts for transloading; but one lasted 9 years with a major chemical distributor. We got a lot of one-shot deals and with them we learned you have to have solid contracts and earnest money up front. Other guys will want to operate their businesses out of your pocket by asking for credit and infrastructure (e.g. gas, electric, steam, water, etc.), make them pay for it and make sure you get to keep the infrastructure. Transloading is hot in our area when construction is booming; when it's down, it's dead. Transloading here is also seasonal; bad weather hurts. You can't profitably scramble a team to unload one railcar...maybe not even 5 railcars. You can't provide steam cheaply. Industrial electric can cost a $100K to install a single 400 amp 3 phase panel less than 200 feet from high voltage a pole. You can't give every customer keys to your property for 24/7/365 access. You can't become the lawyer to provide permits for special loads. A new switch can set you back the cost of a house. I can go on and on... I'm going to guess you have a lot of true experts in your audience, versus just nice folks with opinions. Why not tap that expertise? Create a volunteer counsel. Ask for bona fides and select from among those who bring some genuine RR, Transloading, management, and accounting (business planning) expertise to the table. You could use the Internet for real-time meetings with pre-determined topics of discussion, agendas, and goals so that it doesn't just turn into a gabfest. I read somewhere that "...there's safety in a multitude of counselors." Good luck either way, you've definitely earned my respect for trying.

[@sardu55]

Best response and overall advise I've ever read on this site. Real nuts & bolts stuff. I agree that our guy should try to make better use of his fans out there, who I'm sure would love to help him out. We'll see how it goes. Maybe find a railroad specialist CPA as well.

[@wilfred8326]

Amoung the best most articulate well thought out comments ever posts. It made me think about RR customers and customer service. It's easy to say haul more frieght... But its not that simple. 😕 Some customers are multiple cars per day or week.... others 1 or 2 a month.... You need to be competitive....

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Mysterion I pinned your comment to the top because, as other students of the "rail business" have said, the depth of knowledge and experience in one post, was outstanding! Thank you Professor! ETR Nation

[@southern207hobbies]

Brain can we please have an update on the the etrr?

[@eugenetswong]

Mysterion, I agree. Thanks for helping him out with your suggestions.

[@ozmazone]

One of the lessons that you didn't mention is that you are a natural and inspirational teacher. Keep up the good work!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Wow, thank you! I want to be an encouragement AND to make you laugh.

[@kevinkennedy7702]

I agree! Naturally born leader. I also agree with Brian that being a member at a train museum one gets a taste of railroad yet lot more easier than owning a railroad and cheaper.

[@seanhobbs3624]

The two year milestone is an impressive accomplishment that you and Graham should both be proud. You certainly have put in the work! Not only that, you have a pretty respectable KZbin Channel that you have managed to keep the ETR nation up to date on your progress and create some interesting content. Keep at it, Brian. As the old saying goes-Rome wasn’t built in day.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks Sean, lets see where this voyage ends up. Brian

[@gusjones9388]

Hang in Brian. When I started my biz, I didn't know what I didn't know. But I learned about fixed costs quickly. Then I learned about overhead. Then I started making money. I have faith in you and your biz plans.

[@wilfred8326]

RR lesson..... The consultant was/is right on. $$$$ Your customer's relationship with you. If you're going to serve a customer, if they come to YOU, THEY need to be legally bound/you need to be protected. RR I worked for restored a siding in 1982 on a handshake 🤝. Boss had worked for New Haven, Penn Central, Conrail and the Shortline that I am speaking of. He said "we cleaned up a derailment during Penn Central but no cars were shipped again...." Customer Employee (Nail Co) said never saw trains since he started in 81. SHORTLINE Entity started in 82. Spur cut from main in 85 when welded rail dropped. No RR moves after Penn Central apparently.

[@alfrednewman6377]

Brian, I think you should go back again to the bakery. With Diesel prices so high, their cost are rising. Never know. Slow and steady wins the race.

[@gregmilliken5538]

I owned my own business for 11 years. Heating service and install. Everyone thinks that if you're a business owner, you're wealthy. They don't know what is involved. Going without pay so you can pay your employees, insurance expenses, the hours you have to put in, the responsibility. Your videos are great, thank you for sharing your experiences, good luck with your future endeavors!

[@edcalvert]

Outstanding!!! So many people are arrogant and often baselessly. Those worth respecting realize their mistakes and remain humble. Those that realize their mistakes and share are even more worthy of respect.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks Ed, I have so much to learn. B.

[@edcalvert]

@@eastterminalrailway5975 hopefully you have figured out what you need for lifting the wire coils. I’m an engineer by profession and have a few ideas on that subject.

[@timothyxv171mmmpertinentgamer]

Well it's a good idea to team up with Norfolk Southern my friend.!!!!

[@greghomestead8366]

Just found and subscribed to your channel. Very interesting. Have a Jesus filled day everyone Greg in Michigan

[@wilfred8326]

Brian, Do you need free labor? Free Advice? I know I could use Advice. I also want to apply my knowledge that I have along with what you could teach me. I have significant ideas. I have knowledge. I am a Veteran. I watched your Derailment Series about how you built a niche Plant Derailment service into a business. You also do car and locomotive repair. In the Army I was a Transportation Planner and Manager. In my civillian lives I have worked on a Shortline, done light RR mechanical work (I could go to school using the VA Vocational Rehab program). I could offer up lots of services to you. If I am out in Ohio I would love to sit down for Coffee or White Castle.

[@meliketrolleys]

On this all souls day I'm praying for your success.

[@kadenlangdon9070]

I was at a tractor show once when I was little and tried the weight pulling peddle tractor competition and lost. When doing a project this big I would put together a volunteer group. Stay strong ETR!

[@scottkew6278]

I love that you have taken notes.... yeah....a Field Trip....yeeaaahhhh....snacks included?

[@EL-nc1cs]

Keep On Railing Guys!!!!! ETR Shop when? I need a ETR Coffee Mug & XL T shirt!!!

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

We’re all pulling for ya buddy

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks!

[@wilfred8326]

About the "3-5 year Transload Contracts" ensure that during that # of years you try to move other cars as well.... About the Transloading. I read the comment of another person who shouted out dollar 💵 amounts.... He basically said don't spend all of YOUR MONEY on Transload Equipment for a customer that may back out. This lines up with what you said about a consultant and contracts. The prices for some equipment is modest but the labor high. Other is close to the price of a home. I think you can find a nice balance and be successful.

[@johnbarham7718]

What an excellent film and mantra. . Cant ever meet you as I'm in the UK, however I laud your business sense. (You are not waiting for the phone to ring so you can pay the next bill).

[@angusdassler3052]

If I wasn't in up here in the cold North I would love to hang out in North Carolina! Looks fun, hope you meet a few subscribers!

[@wilfred8326]

You are 100% correct about RR's being a fixed relationship. An issue with the RR's the "rationalization" of traditional RR gateways via mergers and abandonment. Instead of ten 70 car trains, I see 👀 😒 2 to 4 150 car trains.... Precision RR-ing.... Also.... the fixed Relationship problem 1 way in, 1 way out, 1 interchange partner has been hugely overwhelmingly regulated, and for many players reduced over the last 40-something years.... The United States needed to Rationalize its RR infrastructure but to Merge it in the way it has been done has cut down on the amount of available gateways and routes. Available for use

[@CR-rb5hl]

I always look forward to the updates and happy to see the notifacations on my feed from the ETR. Keep on TRAINING Brian.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

An Old dog learning new tricks!

[@polarbub]

Great pun! It gave me a good chuckle

[@petercruikshank2618]

A "chronologically challenged" dog learns new TRACKS?!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

The hound calling the Lab old! LoL

[@jeffreygosselin7576]

Hi Brian! We are with you on this. KEEP GOING!

[@henryszubielski8601]

A great update! I hope meeting with the consultant ends with positive results. Good luck.

[@raymondciarlo15]

A great video. I have been following you for 2 years. You have all the ingredients to make this happen. Please Don't give up. Just remember, there are many more lessons to learn. I do beleive you can make money. Ray

[@johngeorge1294]

Back in the 60's I was out of work ( strike) so I worked on a dairy farm. It is too bad they didn't totally lay out a plan as you spoke about. This was a new plan from a agriculture university. The problem was they expected to make a fortune and ended up closing and losing everything they put into it. The enthusiasm was there, the customers where there but they hadn't planned on new equipment breaking, employees not staying and lack of milk from cows. If they had really planned as it appears you are doing they could have been successful I believe. Best to you.

[@scotthibbs]

Scott from Accounting:

[@scotthibbs]

OH... I almost forgot. R J Corman didn't ask insurance if he could climb railcars with his backhoe. (otherwise there would be no R J Corman) You should seek legal council regarding liability, but you should be incorporated to limit your personal exposure to ETR injuries/accidents/lawsuits etc. Please protect what I love most about you and that's your personal financial soundness.

[@dennisrichardville4988]

East Penn Railroad has a transload facility in Kennett Square Pennsylvania where they trans load propane. It's basically just a dirt yard with some movable equipment. It also appears to be pretty seasonal.

[@williamtiebout4142]

In todays "gotta have it now", you are a refreshing breeze. Slow, steady, objective! We have lost so much in rail transportation due to short sighted goals. Yes some goods need to be trans- shipped quickly, others can be delivered at the right time with proper planning. Rail transport per ton / mile is fairly inexpensive and not held hostage to interstate highway issues. We have an intermodal terminal near us, like clockwork the train pulls in unhindered by the interstate traffic that clogs all roads in the area. Night comes the road trucks roll. Very efficient. Thanks for your dedication to rail transport.

[@johnnyhunter4345]

Brian, previous owner of Central Ohio Railroad sold out and built a steam locomotive museum and restoration shop in the Sugarcreek area in Amish Country and they are open to the public tours on select days. For ETR, you own the location (first step for transload project) maybe someone who has deep pockets and a need for transload location in central Ohio as a partner?

[@Paw95]

You need to unload rebar. Lots of building going on in and around Columbus. I'm in the bridge and highway construction and it's booming right now. working on the oldest bridge in Franklin county right now. It's near the old abandoned N&W yard around 5th and Joyce avenue.

[@dmcry600]

I wish you all the best!!! You have a plan, and keep moving forward!!!!

[@kfree1966]

Great to see you. I was getting a bit concerned. It is amazingly refreshing to see you doing it the old fashion way of hard work and understanding. Keep on plugging away. You are young enough to remember being taught in school that hard work is the path to success.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Maybe that will be taught again.... Brian

[@nealgold8442]

Great video and content. Thanks for sharing.

[@randyclyde4939]

First, thanks so much for your honesty! Others, less resilient, would not be able to "face the camera" and bare their souls to a largely unknown bunch of people. (Congrats on 25k+) I know that I'm proud of you, Mrs ETR for her obvious continued endorsement of your efforts, and your over all project approach! You have a dream that you've dared others to be a part of and look over your shoulder. That's exceptionally brave! I'm gregarious, I love people, I can be a ham in a crowd and I love to tell jokes (clean) and I love get laughs. I'm not sure my brain would allow me to show others an inside view of my thoughts! I'm learning way more about life from you than railroad stuff. You are a quite a guy and I applaud your efforts. Stay well, stay safe!

[@garymessina1609]

Great learning video Brian thanks

[@jimworcester981]

Thanks for the update. We were beginning to think you got lost!

[@ericnilson4900]

Brian, You are killing me with these long voids of no video. You hooked me.

[@glf001]

I always look forward to your posts Brian. Keep us in loop on your progress with getting transload business Videos of the equipment your restoring would be cool to!

[@6777Productions]

As a railroad civil engineer in the making, I love your insight and it has definitely helped me re-think some aspects of the industry as I get ready to dive head first into railroads in a couple of years here. Thank you for your information!

[@pmichael73]

Once again, your honesty about the problems you face is refreshing. There are real possibilities for you and the ETR and identifying and investigating them is a great move. I see the attraction of steel: no mess, no spillage, hard to pilfer, clean loading, etc. Are there any other commodities with these characteristics? Best of luck!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Wow, you nailed the reasons! Sit up front and you can help teach! B.

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

I think maybe you could have a business of rail equipment transloading. Locomotives, equipment etc out of land-locks or museums that have to be transported out by truck can come to the ETC, and unload the equipment so it can get out into the rail network again, since you have a direct connection to a regional railroad which interlocks with Class I

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Still hoping you can make a success of the ETR. Looking forward to the Trackmobile project.

[@RobertWilliams-mk8pl]

Thank you for the knowledge. You helped me immensely.

[@PeterButler220]

Brian you are still the Man, congrat's on two years and hears to the next two. Well done.

[@thepubliceye]

Don't forget we have a huge steam rebuild shop in Sugar Creek Ohio The Ages of Steam Round House.

[@richardbause2453]

Brian, Don't sound so down. Staying positive for your dreams I will say is one of the best possible motivaters anyone can wish for. Open ears 👂 and open mind to make decisions to spend the time to seek out the very best for what your dream is to be. No one can take this away because it's your choice decision, it's your choice to learn the ins and outs of how 🤔 to make YOUR ETR a success 😉. After 2 years, I'm glad to have known you my friend so keep searching for what you feel is the right answers to your dream 😊 and maybe you'll be blowing that whistle on your engine sooner than you realize. That's a goal worthy to shot for. Take care Richard Bause.

[@v206896]

I am rooting for you and praying for you I so badly want to see you succeed with your rail yard because I love what your trying to do there. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thud240 I want you to know I am thankful for you! Brian

[@pacificparts]

The ETR needs a heart added to the logo. Brian wears his heart on his sleeve. Thank you for sharing and bringing us along.

[@BattleshipOrion]

Alot of young railfans are having dreams shattered, but it ain't all that bad. Railroads will need people post-strike, and museums need folks. Railfans, y'all only need land & money, and poof you own a train, Naval history buffs cant without BILLIONS of dollars for a whole ship, y'all are lucky in that fact & many others. So while dreams are shattered, look at the bigger picture, alot of folks can't go & see what they like or interact with it, I advise y'all to count those blessings well.

[@crazyman762]

ETR is the only channel I subscribe to (out of maybe 6 channels total) I check a few times a week for new releases and try and watch them right away. The new clips have been fewer in the past 6ish months. It seems reality and costs have come to Brian's small town. I hope Brian does not become disenchanted and quit. But the goals needed he mentioned in this clip are a tall order to make the line functioning. A 5 year contract for a business that is not actually running yet is a giant leap of faith for the first customer. For a 1 mile line you can't do anything tourist you need probably at least 5 miles in 1 direction.

[@Baystateboy125]

Brian, it’s been an exciting journey with many challenges and setbacks, but in the end (not over yet) I’ve learned a lot from your channel about railroading!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thank you, often the teacher is learning the most, I have a ways to go, and that is the ETR journey. Brian

[@Baystateboy125]

@@eastterminalrailway5975 Ever thought about bringing in a $ilent partner with $$$?

[@andychandler153]

I appreciate your openness and willingness to learn. Most of success is just not quitting. You do need realiable customers and you must make a profit if the business is to live. I had to learn that in my small business. Cheers Andy

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hi Brian, I am not a business minded, or an accountant. For you to be taking apart the past two years of time and experiences I think you are being very honest with yourself and many other people who have been following your journey and website. Everyone makes good and poor decisions in a period of time. I do consider that the basic foundation is the enjoyment, relationship with other people what you have gained over the past two years. I have learned a lot from watching the program and website with yourself doing the leading. Well done Brian, keep going at a pace which suits you. Looking forward to hearing from you sometime soon. Cheers from Lincolnshire England

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks John, I am always glad when you add your voice. Brian

[@paulazmudzinski9225]

The most important lesson is at 18:20. "Never work with children or animals." -W.C. Fields.

[@rebuilditdad5787]

good morning brian, a few things i'd like to comment on is what ever happend to the dozer? and how wide is your right of way? could you add track next to death valley? id like to see you do more cleaning of the brush. it would show more pride in your yard. clear it, level it, sell that dream to others...... make them want to become your customer. i want to buy you a new rr tie. and i don't want nothing in return for it. clear right up to the lot line let the csx big wigs see your not here to play but to stay. winter is coming burn that brush!!! who's with me for rr ties for brian's dream? thanks steve

[@vincentmckiernan4975]

I am with you!I need more apparel...

[@eddiane]

Great to see you back here. I was wondering what was happening, Interested to see where things are heading Brian! My best to you sir.

[@JJosephS1]

Brian, I really admire you willingness to keep going inspire of the obstacles and setbacks. Overcoming all of those will make the final success so much sweeter.

[@garysprandel1817]

Keep pounding away at it and keep it realistic but you've come a long way from that jungle i saw two guys tearing into with a battery chainsaw 2 years ago. As to your comment about sidings pulled up and just ran some rough mental calculations of the UP Janesville sub former CNW Twin Cities line northwest out of Chicago and the sidings just from Crystal Lake to Desplaines Illinois. Maybe a 25 30 mile stretch roughly 27 lineside sidings and team tracks not counting company service sidings and interchange tracks back when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s..today there are about 5 still intact. Two are team tracks that now see nothing but MOW equipment storage. One is intact, still connected to the main and still runs into the building but has that pitted rust that indicates nothing has rolled over them in decades and is not likely to ever see a wheel again, one got tank cars from time to time but have not been in the area to see if it's still live and the final one while I've not see any movement over has the occasional center beam lumber car spotted on for a local lumber yard. Pretty much once almost 30 customers bring in bank for the railroad either directly or transloading from the couple of team tracks to possibly two active carload sidings.

[@clineshaunt]

I've seen comments from CSX workers on other videos that have pretty much said CSX could careless about small businesses. NS has or had a transload facility at the south end of Buckeye Yard for a while. Since they ripped out Buckeye Yard and the leads to the yard, I'm not sure if it's still in use.

[@lxdesign1]

Lot's of lessons learned. Have you run 2021 at all this year? We're going through some major upgrades this year on my short line. We had a rail contractor in to do track upgrades - install ties, spread ballast, tamp and sweep. And I was able to drop some slow orders because of it. We have another contractor in right now doing some brush cleaning - and a leased locomotive GP9 will be coming onto our track as a backup unit for our revenue tourist trains. So big things going on.

[@paultrepanier8255]

So glad to watch a new video after so long. And glad to hear your making progress. I think I'm going to order an other shirt! Take care Brian, Paul.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Paul I did take a break, thanks for keeping the lights on and the hope tank full. Brian

[@georgecarter838]

Good to see you back, Brian. And congrats on your two years into this adventure. Everyday is a learning experience. Will do my best to give sage advice from my railroad years if you ever need some.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

I like guest instructors, I go to the back of the class room and devour the donuts! Brian

[@georgecarter838]

@@eastterminalrailway5975 Just remember I have a three minimum chocolate covered donut requirement when I give a instruction tutorial.

[@Booger414]

I got the orange...and the yellow T-Shirts. I found this channel during a period of involuntary unemployment, and it was quite comforting to watch each video. Thankfully that is over, and I am still here. It seems to my decidedly amateur mind that part of starting up the transload operation is also making sure you have the infrastructure. A lot big enough to do the transfer and if needed the storage of material. Also, the roadways leading into the lot that can handle the truck traffic.

[@karenholmes2764]

Brian, thanks for the lessons. Can I share what I have learned with you? When you start a new business, there must be a demand for it and you are solving a problem based on your own talents and gifts. You see a dark cloud on the horizon and you are the one to step up to assume responsibility. Power comes from assuming responsibility. What is the problem you are solving so when you go to those meetings you can convince them that you are the solution? Look at the bigger picture for a while. One problem that can be resolved is that long distance trucking is tearing up the highways. There is an energy crisis and trucks use much more fuel to move the same weight the same distance compared to rail. Precision scheduling has shifted the focus away from providing a service to customers and employees to what is easiest for the railroad, and best for shareholders but not for customers. The same thing has occurred with airports. The drive has been to build huge airports, making traveling difficult and the expenses are still there no matter how full the planes are. In the future, the pendulum will swing back again to direct smaller planes, and the same for railroads. The railroad crews are overworked and quitting or striking, not agreeing to return even with offers of more money. Biden's solution didn't address the root cause of the crisis so he made the crisis worse. He should have looked at shorter trains and shorter shifts and hiring more crew so that if someone needed time off, there was always someone to step in. Precision scheduling is not a good way of way to run the railroad. The solution should have come from inside the railroad rather than from outside. The insurance companies may be part of the problem, not the solution. Are they supporting the railroad rather than their customers. I am not putting that right--are they setting their fees based on risk involved as insurance companies should be doing? The focus of the government is to work with large corporations because it is easier for them to control the economy, but the backbone of any economy is small business. Terminal railroads have always served a purpose, to make access to the class 1 railroads possible. What about working with yardmasters to form local trains, like the way the post office functions--or used to function before Louis DeJoy was brought in to solve the problems but instead he has made them worse. (Don't get me started on the USPS. I will be shipping my products through the USPS, too, so when you resolve the crises in the railroad maybe you can help with the USPS.) Maybe another lesson is that when you run a business, you have to deal with the glitches, and sometimes the glitches are really, really big. But, everyone has a lifetime of wisdom and experience in problem-solving and we know how to solve the problems when the government and elite executives don't. the dark cloud appears on the horizon, we can step up and solve the problems. Isn't that how entrepreneurs get their ideas?

[@karenholmes2764]

A friend of mine was a corporate pilot for a local lumber company. He was always on call. He missed his daughter's graduation because he had to take his boss on a trip. No one should have to miss their daughter's graduation. That is the kind of thing that motivates people to find solutions to problems, because he was not the only corporate pilot to miss an important event in his life because there was no one to fill in for him.

[@DruSteel69]

Great video, Brian. I hope to see you again when I go railfanning in your area. God bless brother. - Drew

[@lexkarol8320]

A lot of good info Brian. Thank you another very good video. It is good to hear to hear that you don’t need the cash because you are right about the pressure. With that gone you will be successful. Nice to see a new video and you are ok. Keep the chin up and eyes forward.

[@oscaranderson1822]

Keep moving forward.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks Oscar! Forward!

[@wilfred8326]

Yes Brian, Mr. East Terminal Railway, this video is Spot on. I have thought of Terminal RR-ing and Transloading. One thing that inspired me is your channel, another are local to (me) Massachusetts situations. The port of New Bedford is reportedly the largest fishing port in the Eastern USA. New Bedford at this time only gets frozen fish from the West Coast. I am pretty sure that everytime cars head East they start in a block of 20-25 until just 2 are recieved in New Bedford. The other 20+ cars were dropped at various locations between the west and east coasts. The local RR does not haul fish out by rail it all leaves by truck.... I am sure Cod is just as popular. I think the RR needs to work with Business, Fish Council, Chamber of Commerce. Politicians.... I understand working with CSX is hard. See if you and your customer(s) can get a preferred routing despite only having one connection. A shortline I knew about was getting Cement from Maine to Massachusetts. The problem was to keep it as a consistent customer depended on cars doing a "turn a burn".... Cars were loaded in Maine sent south on old MEC to B+M to Ayer Worcester line. Car was then interchanged to CSX and even though it had to go EAST they sent WEST to Selkirk for reclassification....to go EAST past Worcester to Framingham to Medfield Jct for interchange. CSX did this in reverse for the empty cars and suppliers were hesitant....took too long. I read the comments. Steel is something clean and can be stored. Think food. 🤔 are there food factories? People always need to eat. Manufacturers that might get something like plastic pellets in covered hoppers. Recycling ♻️ . Baled Cardboard boxes 📦 put into Boxcars. The baling of cardboard can be done by off site and loaded hear. I like the idea of contracts that need to be binding to protect your business. Best of luck.

[@Bongofurry]

Great news ! Onward and upyonder ! The fall season back drop really makes the blue in your hat PoP ! E.T.R. rules...

[@christopherclarke9316]

I like the thinking Brian. It already shows on your face that you are comfortable with potential directions mate, seriously, you have lost a couple of worry lines. I think that, like most of the ETR nation, I will stay on board this train till the depot. Not getting off anytime soon. I will look forward to the field trip.

[@heithdotysadventures7824]

Crazy 2 years now . Good to see u are still plugging away Bryan. Good luck man . Hope this all comes together soon for u

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

HDA Thanks for being here with us! Brian

[@ryananthony4840]

Good to see you guys are doing well! 15k views on this video, I remember when it would be maybe 200 views lol... keep up the good work!!

[@fredeisen7401]

Always rooting for your success! Keep plugging along good things are on the horizon!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thank you Fred ! Will do!

[@juniorfotograaf]

It looks to me that you need to try to push a railroad car (empty) with your locomotive from the point that you connect to the rail network to the place that you would like to use to unload stuff,and see what time it takes you and how much fuel it takes you to get to you unload point. Add money for the wear you will get on your equipment,because you will have to pay for repairs. Then you have a sort of a baseline,then add money for you or the guy that runs your loco,and add time that you would need to unload that railcar. Needless to say that you would have to find out what sort of money an hour you would like to get/need to get even ,at least. And if youre smart make that hourly rate ,one that gives you a bit of profit,so add a bit more. Still liking to see that you keep on trying and i hope you will get there. By the way you need to do smething to you weed problem,the tracks are overgrowing again ;-) Greeting from holland.

[@tomviolette7053]

glad to see you are back if you get a chance talk to the people at the strasburg railroad as they have a small transload business which is doing well might also be a good place for a meet and greet

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Tom, good call on both ideas. B.

[@jstoli996c4s]

Calculate a “cost per ton”, with a minimum amount of tonnage, for your fixed costs. Then you can determine a “price per ton” to achieve an acceptable profit.

[@garykuipers2696]

You've made some excellent points about your future and learned some valuable lessons. Currently, economic times are topsy turvy but I'm sure that you will ride out the storm. By the way, I bought two tee shirts and have your photograph hanging over this desk. My best wishes for a great future.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Gary I am so thankful for people like you! B.

[@revenniaga6249]

I have had lots of dealing with class one railroads Marketing Dept or Freight Sales or Traffic Management or whatever they want to call themselves and for the most part I do not know how they find their car keys to drive home. Most could not even work as a price checker at a dollar store.

[@StCroix-up4km]

A good friend once told me a good piece of advice about long term projects: "Put your heart and soul into it, but don't let it break you." I would have to say you're doing just that. As much as we would like to see action on the ETR, good things come to those who wait. If you're looking for more research, I mentioned Progressive Rail (PGR) before about different types of transloading, another would be Minnesota Commercial RR (MNNR) a Class 3 shortline operating in the Twin Cities and suburbs. They do have a dedicated steel transloading operation, though it's mostly steel coils from coil cars.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

They are now on my research list! Thanks for the idea! Brian

[@fredygump5578]

This is great advice and perspective. The part of business that I struggle with is how to get that first contract. If you can get a contract first and "tool up" with the money from the contract, that makes it easy. But convincing someone they need you and that you can meet their needs before you even set up your operation? I don't know how that happens!

[@leeklemetti1887]

How "that happens" comes from selling a dream. The customer must see a lower cost of business for them. No better reason could there be. You must appreciate what the customer wants, and supply a way of doing that, cheaper than the other guy. That is what all businesses want. You are searching for that way with "no BS" to the customer and your cost analysis is what does that. Keep up the good work.

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

I truly feel for you and for taking on a task like this, I can only keep my fingers crossed a say a few prayers that everything goes your way and for such a great person. Ron

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Ron Thank you friend! Brian

[@alkennedy1124]

I also am subscribed to ccrx6700 he is and train rail roading and rail supervisor on the Cumberland mine coal company railroad, thanks BigAl California

[@michaelwilkerson6722]

Hello Brian, I stumbled across your channel about a year ago, your video presentation are intriguing. I support the business man who ‘rolls up his sleeves’ to do whatever it takes to be successful. You have a natural methodical way of presenting an issue in terms everyone can understand and provide remediation options. I wish you all the best in your endeavors sir and thanks for sharing your adventures of railroading sir. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@rickaser2383]

Was getting worried as there were no new ETR videos and I needed my fix! Glad you found a consultant and have some direction. The big contract will come. Thank you for your honesty and determination.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks Ric I don't want you to worry...but I kind of appreciate it! B.

[@klsc8510]

My best advice from one that worked on a tourist/dinner train/freight RR is for freight, look like a real railroad. Brian, look at your line. LOOK! Outside of the ballast you were sitting on, after two years it still looks abandoned! That is the hard truth. Why would any customer want to trust their cars and goods to something that looks that bad! For tourist and dinner train, people don't care. They are there only for a good time. For freight, your are dealing with professionals and the line needs to look professional to get and keep business. Shoddy track looks like you give shoddy service. It is that first impression thing. I know getting ETR looking much better will cost big bucks. In the end, that first impression a new customer will get them to listen to your sales pitch. Brian, nothing is easy. You don't have the track length for tourist or dinner trains. KLS&C was 14 miles. People were are main revenue. Freight was a bonus. Trains hold advantages over trucks. Learn how to use that to your advantage. But again Brian, get the ETR looking like it is already moving freight on the line. Find ways to get the track and ballast looking good so it can easily handle what ever traffic comes your way. Even in a bad economy, opportunities are out there. You can take advantage of others problems to buy stuff cheap. Business is business. Their problems can be your solutions. The good is you are learning. You want to continue to learn. Bring in experts as needed. That cost can save you from expensive future big problems most of the time. Volunteers. They can be a good thing to get the needed work done for the lowest cost. That was partly how KLS&C worked. The tourist trains were run and manned by volunteers. So was freight. I was one. We had fun. We also did things by the book to be safe. Safety was big for all trains. I got to learn to be a trainman, fireman, conductor for tourist and freight. I got to learn to be an engineer for all three. I ran GP-7s, an E-8A and a FP-7A. In sum, those years from 1988 through 1994 are still precious to me. I learned and earned respect and trust that I could get the job done right and safely. Again, I HAD FUN! Why not? I was and still am a model railroader at heart! To be able to operate REAL equipment.............(one item off bucket list!) Brian, thanks for reading!

[@sandboxdiplomat1707]

If I owned the ETR and was looking for some short-term cash flow before landing those multi-year contracts, I'd be thinking outside the box. Specifically, start making your locomotive pay for itself by giving 'engineer' lessons to people with no interest in a job but a strong desire to run a loco up and down the tracks. Marketed well, you'd attract a lot of guys who want that experience and probably women buying a gift certificate for their men who have everything. With Christmas coming up, I can easily envision thousands in revenue!

[@lesgobrandon]

Alright man good to hear from you Brian.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thank You! First one to class! Always glad you are here!

[@happyhome41]

Where did the locomotive go ? Haven't seen that in a while. We want so so much for you to succeed. When you do, we will cheer as if we too had succeeded.

[@daleolson7205]

I think they park it inside the fence at the bakery.

[@projects4dad952]

What's the main reason this line was abandoned in the first place? Mismanagement? Lack of infrastructure/ROW improvements? Increased competition? Dwindling customers? Economic downturn? All of the above? Knowing the root cause(s) and how to avoid them will hopefully help you to recognize any future pitfalls.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

I would say it was poor service and lack of interest in the smaller customers 20 to 25 yrs a go.

[@PrinceStreet]

I always enjoy the patience in your voice as you talk through these updates. There’s a humility in there matched by a font of optimism that you should feel darn proud of.

[@alcopower5710]

Sounds like you are making calculated decisions which is always good. Keep us up to date.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

I am a late bloomer.

[@blitzdough]

Materials transfer would be great, and getting up & running with that could create time for other opportunities to open up. For example, maybe after a while something changes at the bakery and they decide they want to capitalize on the rail access after all.

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Yes, then 100 cars a year would be a blessing because you have the insurance you need in place and you are in the profit zone. Good point.

[@wilfred8326]

Even if you are just operating at a "break even" just showing you operate is a huge ➕️ (plus) and would go miles to attracting other customers.

[@wilfred8326]

@@eastterminalrailway5975 IF You can potentially get them for a commitment of a couple year contract (it may mean flour or sugar coming or whatever) coming from a different supplier to them or a mix of Rail and Trucks. It could mean outbound? Being Railroad Served could change the way the Bakery Operates. Try to find out what they do now and how or if you can serve via Rail. When rail stopped serving the Branch due to service conditions and/or lessened car loads....(CR stopped due to # of cars or customers stopped due to CR service levels 🤔.....) Did Bakery change their infrastructure so despite retaining a siding thier plant isn't set up for a RR relationship.... Potentially to help you and Bakery Cover Costs, they might find at first 100 cars a year is hard to plan arround or does not get them savings in transportation BUT w/proper planning it can get them bulk product savings and overtime both will help each other. Maybe 150 cars? Who knows. Rail is Green. Get a Grant for Business Development. ANOTHER for helping Environment. Overall I think a mixture of running and "commitments and contracts".... You are a small operation with nothing going on. If a customer calls 📞 up WHEN you are in operation needing Transload but they won't be a long term customer? If you can? do it as long as it doesn't get in the way of regular traffic or it is profitable enough that you can not say no. Why? Customers talk. ☎️ 📲 Telephone Telefriend! Even if you move 10 cars for someone (they have contract near you at specific time), that is 10 cars that you didn't have. They may be 5-20 cars/yr over 10 years.... essentially that's 100 cars or a "gimmee" customer.... This could be like Transformers a once in a while thing. Utility might throw money 💰 at you to fix track. These customers will talk and if you are getting cars sent your way, you way have transload and your fixed and be able to do better than you realize. Still protect yourself with large customers and contracts.

[@brdzfan2597]

Congratulation Brian! Was great seeing you on the cruise!

[@Williamgarity]

Glad you are still chasing your dream !

[@dennisb-trains23]

Keep positive Brian my friend. You've come a long way in two years and stay focused and like you were saying, get yourself out there to the people that could work with you or point you to someone who could work with you. Wishing you the best. Keep your eyes forward!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Sometimes one good phone call shines a lite that changes the whole picture. B.

[@music100vid]

Good level headed approach to the project - good progress, thanks for the report. For the operating expenses for transloading, a spreadsheet would be helpful. That way you can see how the expenses for each part will come out based on number of loads handled. . One part would be locomotive expenses for example. That would include fuel, oil changes per operating hour, other maintenance estimated. You might include backup plans for moving trains in case of locomotive downtime. Unloading equipment equipment and operating expenses. Another would be labor costs if you plan to hire someone. That would be salary, insurance, withholding, coffee, Whitecastles, etc. You'll have to estimate how long it will take to hook up a car, move it into position and unload onto a truck. The time to do the work estimate. Car sorting may have to be included. There is track maintenance too to estimate. You can put the insurance, accounting, business licence and other business expenses on there too. So, everything that has to do with money for the business. Set up right, the spreadsheet will also make it easy to answer the tax questions when that comes up. Two things that haven't been mentioned are: Portajohn rental and site security (which could be a fence or 24/7 video surveillance.) Another is, getting electricity installed on site. Another part of the spreadsheet will be for revenue. You'll be able to plug in various revenue scenarios and see what it takes to break even or make a profit. With the spreadsheet set up with as close estimates as you can make, the fixed costs can be seen and compared with the variable costs that depend on the number of loads. There will be a certain point at which the fixed costs and the costs per load will be covered and you will be able to see that. This can all actually be quite fun - like putting a puzzle together, once you get into it. Looking forward to the field trip and other videos. Carthage is pretty close but probably can't work that in along with other weekend plans. Have a great time!

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

You are a detail person, thanks for putting in for the accounting dept., a very valuble part of our team. And you guys buy and bring the donuts. B

[@wfermier]

Question: At what point are you going to have to expand this one-man operation into a multi-person company? Everything you describe for the ETR sounds like it'll be overwhelming for one man, alone. Best of luck! I want to see you succeed!

[@jeffthorson625]

i wonder if you can do an Inter-urban passenger train, but just a car behind the diesel on the weekend for tourists like that be fun and do the freight on The weekday

[@jay600katana]

Keep those fists up Brain. Where there's will, there's a way.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Love everything about you brother

[@eastterminalrailway5975]

Thanks, I want to encourage you to be your best, AND make you laugh! B.