Where Would You Spend the Money if You Owned this Railroad?

[@garykuipers2696]

That was an excellent explanation of fiscal spending. The meat of the mining operation is in the ability to remove the coal from underground efficiently and safely and transporting as expediently as possible to the customer. When I was in freight service time = money. Our goal was to deliver the goods on time. If the supply (coal) falls short due to problems at the initial stage then the profit margin is affected. I understand that the emphasis is placed at improving the supply stage operation.

[@ccrx6700]

Excellent comment Gary! You are so right in all aspects of your synopsis. Thank you so much my good friend for taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day.

[@wiseolesage]

Even a smart child could have understood your explanation of how Cumberland and railroad operated. Using the percentage broke it down pretty much. Glad they let you be a spokesperson in there behalf. Sounds like the owner is the real deal. Thanks for explaining.

[@johnblair8146]

You Dave, are a BIG part of the reason that the track only accounts for 0.1% of total downtime for the entire Cumberland Mine operation. Your dedication keeps the coal rolling down to the harbor!

[@geronimo5537]

I was thinking the whole time. That his work is why the track is such a low effect on overall down time. Lets hope he gets a bigger budget. Because according to how funding gets pushed around. He would need to let the track fall into disrepair in order to get needed funds. So hey management, maybe give them a higher budget for a single year to get some things done.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the very kind comment John. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Do remember that I am only 1 cog in the wheel. Much thanks also goes to co workers, management, contractors and also to several good men who worked track before and have since retired. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@alro2434]

@@ccrx6700 Yes, 1 cog, but you hustle and make it work to get the most done in the time you can get between those cogs in front & back that are always pushing & pulling you, scheduled or not, rain snow & shine. Thanks for the info. Also, thanks to Mr JT for seeing that your videos are valuable to the company and the YT & coal world!

[@bobmeginnes324]

I can't stress strongly enough how much I appreciate and enjoy your channel and your posts. The information we get from you is almost certainly not something we would be hearing from any other source, given that few of us are either miners or railroad personnel.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bob for the very nice comment, so kind of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@kenkannon5630]

It is refreshing to hear of a CEO who lets you do what you do, for most railroad lawyers would have fits seeing what you post Major railroads would have a fit seeing the things you post, but about their railroad You might do a video on such costs as one rail, one rail tie, and so on so we could see how the incidentals add up fast

[@madtrucker0983]

Yeah I was wondering how he gets away with this.

[@pootthatbak2578]

​@@madtrucker0983 ditto..its rare to see anyone youtubing while still on the company payroll

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Ken for sharing your thoughts. Management here knows I make these videos. It comes with some stipulations one of which I must get my work done. This company now is big ono public relations and I am doing a good job at promoting not only this company but the coal industry, so they like that. Best part is, my videos are down to earth, sincere and honest and not a PR campaign designed to blow smoke. I tell it like it is and people like that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@ccrx6700]

You might like to read the reply I gave to Ken about what you said Mad Trucker. I am doing the company a big service in public relations, or at least that's the way they see it. Also what I did not say to Ken is my videos are also looked at as training films for the guys in the future that will replace me. A win win situation.

[@madtrucker0983]

@@ccrx6700 👍

[@blessedandhappy3921]

Great story Dave. I notice how you refer to the mine, plant, trains and tracks as our, we and us. Employees taking ownership of the company and the company assets is a major part of success. It’s pretty cool that after 40+ years you still get excited about every aspect of the job.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Blessed and Happy for the kind words, so glad you enjoyed and took notice about the pronouns. You are indeed right. I love your username! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@PlanetMojo]

We all know why the track only accounts for 0.1% of the downtime Dave! It's your skilled work and attention to detail. Great job sir 😊

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Mojo for the very kind words. However, I am only 1 cog in the wheel, one of many co workers, management and contractors that have made it all possible, plus can't forget to mention several in the past who worked on the RR that have since retired. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@morse2795]

Sounds like you got a really awesome CEO there Dave. Not only does it take a lot of money to run a rail line like that but also hard-working dedicated employees like you!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you William for the really nice comment. This a great company to work for now and yes they are trying their best to make this a world class mine again. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@cedarcam]

Your CEO Justin has the right attitude meeting you guys in person making everyone feel they are part of the team. Great to see how much is done for the community as well. I am glad he has seen some of these videos and does not mind what you show us. The thing I would invest in is new cars, those you have are petty old now, the couplers are worn, truck pivot bearings or something cause rolling side to side on some and as you said recently their doors are operated far more times than those on long hauls and are failing to lock properly, when they are closed some coal is still dropping out clogging the ballast. It keeps you busy digging out but your time could be better spent tamping and replacing ballast where drainage is poor as you showed us last time.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Cedarcam for the very nice comment, You are totally right in your observation of Mr. Thomson. He is a good man and is trying his best. Hopefully we will see some newer cars in the future, it's on the list I do know that for a fact, just when it will happen is up in the air for now. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

There's a 2 track spur that makes up the property line at the back of our land. A month or so ago, an inspection crew was out there looking things over and now, many of the rails have ASAP painted on them. I assume that they're planning some work soon. One interesting thing I've noticed over 30+ years on our property is that many of the rails have Illinois-Ohio and 1925 forged into them. Some also have Carnegie forged into them.

[@ccrx6700]

That's pretty cool to hear Mike. Lot's of old Carnegie rail still out there, I have never heard of Illinois Ohio. Cool to learn. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@kleetus92]

Don't know if it's worth mentioning, but that steel marked at 1925 is actually worth more than scrap value. Why? Because it was made before nuclear testing was started. It is truly pure iron... without radioactive contamination. Manufacturers of extremely sensitive radiation detection equipment need this kind of metal because it does not have background radiation skewing the results of the measurements they are trying to take.

[@thomasgasaway5068]

Dave , your question of how you would spend the money for maintenance. First I would spend more on ballast. Instead of lime stone I would buy at least one unit train of Granite Ballast. By doing this you would cut out lots of mud and swing ties, low and broken joint bars . Better track alignment. Which also less rail wear . Then you could have a long lunch every now and then.

[@scottgray493]

It is true Dave. You are so positive and such a good example of an employee to this company. They do not know what a treasure you are. I certainly hope though that they do.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Scott for very the nice comment, so kind of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@mattkinnard6899]

Wonderful first hand insight on Cumberland Mine and the industry as a whole. I can't really name any other 16 mile long "industrial" railroads that do not have a direct outside rail connection keep the track as nice as you guys do!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Matt for the really kind comment. In railroading the saying goes, you ignore your infrastructure at your own peril. You can mine all the coal you want but you have to maintain your transportation system to get it to market. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@rickcooper6817]

Thanks Dave! I don't know much about modern day coal mining, but I would imagine the company could always put more funds into mine safety and ways to increase production. For the railroad end of it, the record speaks for itself. Minimal down time equals top notch maintenance and employees. When you have those two ingredients you can get by with older equipment for some time. As long as you are willing to upgrade when necessary and as funds allow. It sounds like the company is doing that and it seems to be working very well. Kudos to you the rest of the railroad employees. Stay safe my friend and have a great weekend.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Rick. Excellent how well you stated your comment, you hit the nail on the head with that one. Couldn't agree more with you on everything. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Howrider65]

We had a coal power plant 30 miles from our house in Florida and another one 45 miles from us and they tore them down. And they got rid of one of the old nuke plants. Now we get nothing but power bumps. The power company is FPL. And now we have a million more people living here and the grid can't take it. Real good planning.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Howard for sharing your thoughts. I hear you very well on that my friend. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day.

[@johndanaher6371]

The CEO is right. All of your videos have always been positive. And thanks for all the information on Iron Synergy. Sounds like a great company. But I do have one question. When will you be featured in the company magazine? You're a pretty popular guy and you should be highlighted.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you John for the kind words, that was very thoughtful of you to say that. Several others have said I do a better job at public relations than a professional PR department would. I don't know about that but if they ever do feature me in the mag will be sure and make a video on it!. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the presentation. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@mikep1085]

Great company update.. thanks! If your CEO is reading this, hopefully he will let you take the training needed so you can show us other areas of the mine work... the barges, and the mine itself. That would be a nice treat! :)

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Mike, will be some videos out there in the future on different aspects of the operation, however I am not allowed underground, unless they happen to give a tour sometime. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jimjohnston7688]

Dave, if it was my money to spend, you would get a nice raise. I don’t think anyone loves their job more than you do.😎

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Jim for the nice comment. Actually new owners are doing a very good job at taking care of their employees, I have no complaints at all about that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@guit57strat]

Hey Dave, you are the man. You have a firm grasp of your surroundings in the company climate. Excellent explanation, you sir again, are a master of your craft and a 1st class representation of the American railroad worker!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you quit57strat for the really kind comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@yrunaked4]

What a great success story. Solid top down leadership with bottom up inputs. I am so glad they support your contributions to the company and the professionalism you demonstrate to the public with all your wonderful videos. So much appreciated. Cheers Rob

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Rob for the nice comment. Yes it is so good to have excellent top level management here now from what we used to have. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@capttom7772]

CONGRATULATIONS DAVE !!! Your Company is one of the very few to claim success in today's "CORPORATE" dominated world ! We ail know that's it's because of people like YOU !!!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the really nice comment Captain Tom. This is a good company to work for now and it has a lot of good people. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Trains-With-Shane]

It's fun to watch trains haul coal, track work, etc. but also getting to know about the way the actual company works, the finances, etc. just adds a little extra depth of feel about the operation and I personally REALLY enjoy that. I also smiled like a big kid when you mentioned how the CEO has seen your videos and recognized you and came over and shook your hand. That is a huge gesture and you can tell he's engaged from the top to the bottom, not just the bottom line. It looks like Iron Senergy is actually taking care of the business not just trying to scoop up, squeeze, and then dump it like is often the case in company and industry buyouts these days.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Shane. Thank you for the totally awesome comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. This a a great company to work for now and yes they are trying their best to make this a world class mine again. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@gofastwclass]

Nice insight on how the mine is working Dave. I can tell by the downtime numbers you and your crew (employees and contractors) are flat taking care of business with the track. Being in a support role like yours can be a lot of pressure, but what I've seen from watching your videos is you do the best you can with what you have - and it really shows. When you started talking about the numbers I already knew where you were going with the conversation. Great job! Sounds like you have a good place to work again with leaders running it who are smart enough to care about safety, people and long term goals instead of short sided profits.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed gofastwclass. Thank you for the totally awesome comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. This a a great company to work for now and yes they are trying their best to make this a world class mine again. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@espeescotty]

Nice, Dave! I'm so happy to see things have turned around for the company and to see that the future is looking bright for everyone associated with it, especially the employees and their families and the community. 🌞😎

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Scotty for saying that. Yes it certainly is a blessing to have really good owners now. Very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@trenamerritt5344]

Food for thought indeed! Safety and maintenance are of great importance in going forward to continue production. Having a good rapport with the workers and the locals is a must. Trust is earned and built up slowly, but just one bad incident can shatter all the hard work gained. I pray things will safely grow for the mine, and that the proper needed balance for safety and productivity is maintained. Thank you for bringing us these videos!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Trena for the very nice comment. You are certainly right in your synopsis. So true how 1 bad incident can ruin a hard earned reputation. Thank you for watching the videos my friend and may you have a most blessed day.

[@petezapadka]

Fascinating information, Dave! I love seeing good news when it comes to this fabulous little railroad!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Pete, yes what wonderful news for the mine and RR here to know we are now under very good ownership. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Mark-hb5zf]

Good for you Dave! It's because of devoted employees like you that help make a company successful. Glad the upper management realizes the importance of you and your coworkers.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Mark for the very kind words, that was so thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@barefoot3662]

Love you and your videos and God bless you and the miners.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you bare foot for the nice comment, glad you are enjoying all the home movies! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@kahnwolfe9548]

This is a very interesting and introspective look at the situation there. I think some people who watch the channel forget that this isn't a class 1 railroad. This is a short line that is owned by the industry it services. Therefore, the line itself is part of the overall budget of the mine as it is just another component of the transport network, similar to trucks, loaders, and conveyors. Props to the new owners for still investing in keeping up with the track and doing their best to keep its downtime where it is. It is far too easy to take for granted something that has been no issues. I definitely understand the need to replace the old neglected equipment, but have been very glad to see them also paying attention to the fact that the tracks don't just last forever and taking proper steps to help ensure that the rails are the least of their worries.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Kahn for the very nice and thoughtful comment. You have a level thinking head, wish you were in management here! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@TheJstewart2010]

Great to hear about a terrific company to work for. Their decisions about where to invest the money are very logical. I couldn't help thinking, though, that if they brought the other parts of the operation to the same efficiency as the rail part, you would have no down time to do your track maintenance.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Jon for saying that. That is their goal to bring the other parts of the operation's down time down from what it is. Very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@garybrown6897]

Hi Dave, another fantastic video as always. It's great to see a company that is willing to put money into improvements to make the mine safer and more efficient. But, I must say I think the reason you have so little down time because of track issues is because of you and your partners dedication to maintaining your railroad. Keep up the great work and as always keepem on the rails. 😊

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Gary for the awesome comment. Yes they are doing that. And yes while I am only 1 cog in the wheel, albeit an important one we also must give credit to co workers, management, contractors and several good men who worked track that have since retired. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@douglas9220]

A successful railroad is ran by those who make it one. You all are a mighty success in my book. Thank you for your time, effort and teaching us these things. God Bless all of you.

[@douglas9220]

I keep confusing Massey with Blankenship....oh forgive me.

[@douglas9220]

Thank God that man is gone from the coal business. Whew what a mess.

[@douglas9220]

I think my decision on the money spent would be first taking care of the equipment and the employees. They must be maintained properly or they can't rail the coal out. But I can see what your saying about where to allocate the funds and which project pays off better.

[@douglas9220]

I would love to work on the train or transport side of it.

[@ccrx6700]

Don't get me started Douglas on Blankenship.... he was gone when Contura bought them, but Upper Big Branch was so, so, so very sad because of him

[@bluesboyst]

Hi Dave. You bring a smile to my face with your enthusiasm and love of the railroad. Enjoyed the video.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Steve. Thank you for the very nice comment. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jamesmihalcik1310]

Thanks for keeping the lights on!! I also heat my house and do metalwork with coal. Pennsylvania strong!

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome James. Good for you on the coal usage. I am a huge advocate for the coal industry as well as this company and RR's. Big thumbs up on the Pa. strong! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@lewistodd9242]

Great video Dave. I love that you appear to have management support for you continuing your videos. Your doing your job so well is probably the main reason that track down time is so low. Have a great day my friend.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Lewis for the very kind words. As far as track goes, I am only one cog in the wheel, albeit a most important one. Credit also goes to co workers, management, contractors and a few good men who used to work track and since have retired. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@curiosity2314]

Happy to see the improved management over the years, Justin seems more human then corporate robot if you know what I mean. Most companies would not allow you to show the good, bad and most importantly the ugly. I have meant for a while now to say thanks to your management for allowing you to tell the truth and the whole story as Paul Harvey would say. Community involvement A+ in my book and yes you have to think safety with every step in life and as the saying goes Safety is job 1. A company and management that has the ability to "listen" is going places...

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the totally awesome comment Curiosity. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. This a a great company to work for now and yes Justin is down to earth and will listen to you. We all are so thankful for his appearing on the scene and the ideals and goals that are in place for the future of our mine and RR. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@ivanoffw]

I believe that one of the best parts of this channel is the fact that you give the straight scoop on how the railroad is run, and you explain in a way that anyone should understand. I also enjoy how you take us into the operators seat be it the tamper, or a locomotive.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you are enjoying the videos ivanoffw. Thank you for the awesome comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@DEtchells]

Thanks for the great, detailed explanation of the financial issues, Dave! I’ve had the experience of running a (very small) company that was gradually starving for operating revenue, so I can really empathize. It sounds like they’re gradually making headway, good for them and good luck to them! And wow, huge props to you that track problems only account for 0.1% of their downtime!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Dave for the very nice comment and kind words. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@TheGooj]

Cheers to you Dave and the company approval of your doings on YT. The world needs good teachers and inspiring figures, which you are.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you The Gooj for writing in with the kind words. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jbbatulisjr291]

Great content Dave….The high level of maintenance you and your department provide….Equally improves safety…

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you JB for the very kind words. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@geronimo5537]

I don't know anything about this company and its history. But your video makes them appear very wholesome and trying to do the right things. Not a corperation is also a big positive. In short I hope they use your video/videos either in training or for hiring. Because you do far better than any human resources or marketing team could do in sharing your company's image.

[@ccrx6700]

Well golly Geronimo! Thank you for the totally awesome comment. What a very kind and thoughtful thing to say. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@alfgeorge5003]

Hi Dave, it's good to see they are working to a budget to improve what needs improving working forward, certainly better than chucking bucket loads of cash at the whole company & hope it gets to where its needed, good to meet the man you work for as well, mate. Glad he likes your videos too as we do.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Alf George for the kind words. Yes we are fortunate to have Mr. Thompson as our leader now, so much better than it used to be now. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jasonbabila6006]

Infrastructure and MOW equipment, updated locomotives and rolling stock, I’d definitely ask for CWR to replace the jointed rails it will definitely eliminate a big bulk of the defects associated with jointed rails.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Jason for sharing your thoughts. I would love to see all of that, wow how much nicer CWR would be here, these new owners are progressive so all of the above you mention will at some point in the future have a feasibility study done on them.. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@paulkalff6408]

Excellent explanations! Thanks, Dave! CEOs always have a difficult time balancing fiscal and physical responsibilities. Glad that yours is employee-oriented!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Paul for the excellent comment. You are so right in that and yes we are lucky to have such good owners as we now have that have a a great vision for the future here. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@paulkalff6408]

@@ccrx6700 Prayers are Answered, Dreams come True, Miracles Happen!

[@mikecalo4607]

Dave, thanks so much for your explanation of the financial situation; it was extremely interesting. I'm glad, as I'm sure you are, that your new owners realize the importance of the track and the railroad in general. Another fab video; keep up the great work, my friend!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Mike for the really nice comment, so glad you enjoyed the video. Very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@mbvoelker8448]

You should be extremely proud of your achievement in keeping the track operational.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you MB for the kind words. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and writing in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@brianhickey5949]

For me, this is an example of how difficult it is to run a business. I had a few businesses in my career, and some issues that drained all the money each time So the old axiom of "if it was easy, anyone could do it" applies here :) I am pleased that some responsible folks stepped up to save the mine. It helps that Mr. Thompson is a no-nonsense gentleman who puts it on the line in terms of dedication and work ethic and only asks everyone else to do the same to make the company better, safer, and more profitable :) If the mine has more employees that are as professional and have such a great work ethic as yourself - I see great things in the future!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Brian for the very nice and well thought out comment. You are so right in your views. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@danielgilson1296]

Thank you Dave for all the hard work and effort you put into your videos. The content is interesting and informative. Keep up your good work and bringing us all great railroading content.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the exceptionally kind words Daniel. So glad to hear you are enjoying the home movies. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and watch them. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jonvanhouten8369]

Thank you for sharing and appreciating the efforts being made by the new owners, this is a fantastic story. Happening while so many people talk negatively of coal. A much needed resource.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the very kind comment Jon. Really appreciate your paying us a visit and checking out the video my friend.

[@mattbrown9484]

Your comments are true for every industry and even our personal lives.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Matt for the terrific comment. You are absolutely right in that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Have a wonderful Sunday Dave and family. You do the company proud sir. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you James for the nice comment, glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@aprilgeneric8027]

you don't need rail grinding "period". what you do need is a once every 16 years ballast cleaning, where all the ballast gets pulled out, and relaid with cleaned ballast. that might cut your track problems down to 50% right away. worn out rail is worn out rail, no idea on the costs and the 1/4 mile sticks might help reduce rack problems down to 25% over all, but not sure if it's worth the expense. as for money being spent...so long as those guys underground are being kept safe, and their machines are operating well, that's where i'd put the bulk to the money being spent no if's ands or buts!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you april generic for taking the time to share your thoughts. No doubt about it we do need ballast cleaning!!! And we need to be able to do it quick and not 1 tie at a time like I do when I crib ties. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@retabera]

Hi Dave. We had a good interaction the other day. Just want to let you know that I am LISTENING and whatever happens, the workers and the local community need to be looked after.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you S M G for sharing that with me. Different views are what makes the world go round, but no matter our individual views may be, we are all in this world together and we can all learn something from everyone else.

[@charleshodge6202]

Dave, railroading is a science all to itself. Nothing like it at all. Appreciate all of the videos.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you are enjoying them Charles. Thank you for the really nice comment. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@williamralph5442]

Hi Dave. In todays environment you are very fortunate to work for a company that works thanks to an understanding and dedicated owner.

[@ccrx6700]

You are so right in that William! We are very blessed here to have such good owners as we now have. They have a great vision for the future and despite a lot of adversity we are going to once again become a world class coal mine. Thank you for the nice comment. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@youknowme8578]

The undercover boss here on your channel, watches this. I'm sure he appreciates how you explain everything. The bad thing is Dave, when you do decide to retire, you will..along with your knowledge, will be most certainly missed. So don't retire! Please...... BTW it's not me, just stating I'm positive he appreciates all of you.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the really kind comment You know me. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. I hope Mr. Undercover does watch these, I am a big advocate for coal, this company and RR's. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@eugeneellison6479]

I would give you huge raise!!!!!!!! You deserve it

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Eugene for the kind words, that was very thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@zephyrboy2012]

I really appreciate you taking the time to give us all those insights into the organization and the railroad.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you zephryboy for saying that. Glad you enjoyed. We very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@SilverKnife0311]

I love this guy!!! Always with a happy face and smile! Love ya brother!!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Silverknife for the really nice comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@tzadik36]

Thanks to you for the video, and also to Mr. Justin Thompson and all those who work making Iron Synergy viable and the video possible. Owned the railroad: spend it on the railroad. Owned Iron Senergy: spend it on Iron Senergy (only a small slice of that pie for the railroad).

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Robin, thank you for the really kind words. Things are so much better here now with Mr. Thompson in charge. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@blancothevanchannel]

I thank you for your honesty and for sharing the economics of this industry. The transit of the coal is the riskiest part outside of your terminal properties. The line is the most important part. It must be kept safe. Details on either end are other issues, the rails must run true.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Thomas. Thank you for the very nice and true comment. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Very interesting. Glad you all are still here.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Robert, glad you enjoyed. We are all glad to still be here also as you can imagine! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@johncloar1692]

Thanks Dave for the video. I under stand about down time and maintenance time and preventive maintenance. All in all your company is doing the right thing.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome John. Thank you for the nice comment, Yes sir things are so much better here now than they were. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@johndoe43]

Good job. Many have no idea the money and time it takes to keep up with the basics. This applies to everything not just the railroads. Good video

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you john Doe for the nice comment, glad you enjoyed. You are so right in your thoughts about what you said. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@coldwaterjimmy7044]

As usual, thank you for the in-depth nuts and bolts analysis of this topic. Great job my friend. Keep them coming 👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Cold Water Jimmy for saying that. Glad you enjoyed. We very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Eddy63]

Great company Dave ... I retired from a good one after 40 yrs in 2015 and love it ... Thx ...

[@ccrx6700]

Yes it is Eddy from what we have had in the past. Very encouraging for all of us here to know management is dedicated to building a great future here. Glad you also had a good experience, that is wonderful and I'm so happy for you. may you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@keithstudly6071]

Dave, having worked for large companies I am surprised that your management gives you the freedom to create the videos you do and I think that speaks highly of them. Most industries have public relations departments who pride themselves in controlling the information that goes public and would surly be very upset that someone like you was allowed to speak so openly and directly to the public about what is happening at Cumberland. They see that as their job and your activities as a complication. This attitude is one of the things that I dislike about most PR 'hacks'. I hope your management appreciates how your honest approach to what is happening at Cumberland puts them in a positive light no media and PR 'pros' could equal!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the totally awesome comment Keith. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. This a great company to work for now and public relations are important to them. I am providing a positive public relations appearance for this company and also for coal and RR's. What is cool about that, is all of my stuff is off the cuff and honest and not someone in an office writing a script feeding the public a bunch of "what the public wants to hear" We have problems here and I show that also, all companies and industry has problems. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@johnsmart964]

Thank you, sir, for this most interesting video presentation. The information contained therein is fascinating and a great way of telling the story of the mine and it's railroad. The tie up between mine and railroad goes way back to the very beginning of the railroads and indeed they almost invariably went from colliery to rivers or sea for onward transportation. It is no surprise that they do not spend too much on the railroad as it is not a high speed passenger railroad and so long as the coal can be transported at a reasonable speed and in a safe way for those who are train crew and those who work on or near the track. This the railroad does thanks to the work that you and your colleagues put into it. Long may the Cumberland Mine, railroad and coal barges continue.

[@ccrx6700]

Wow John, what a totally awesome comment. That was very well thought out and totally reasonable thing to say. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@bigun447]

One of my favorite textbooks we had to read was "How to LIE with CHARTS" by Gerald E. Jones. You scared me with your pie charts. BTW, the book is always within reach so I can check the method if I think someone is trying to draw attention away from the real NOT SO GOOD facts with charts. On the one-owner thing. That makes him the indispensable person. What do you do with an indispensable person? You fire them or train someone else to be able to do the Job. Why? because that indispensable person could walk out in front of a Mack Truck and your business suffers. Great videos. Glad you got your photo in the company magazine.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Big'un for taking the time to write in and share your thoughts. You are right about an indispensable person. But they do have a team at the high level so if Mr. Thompson checks out, I'm sure things will continue, albeit maybe not with the same skills. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@zulubravo5733]

What a great story to share about your outfit, you’re a great ambassador for the company!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Zulu Bravo for the really kind comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@bobhover3863]

I am so happy the future is bright for some of Americas hardest working people. I enjoy your channel and wish you a safe and prosperous future. Please keep up the great work !!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bob for the very kind words. So glad to hear you are having a good time with us. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@NealB123]

Excellent vid. I really enjoyed it. Here's hoping that the Cumberland Mine is in operation for many decades to come.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the nice comment Neal. Glad you enjoyed. New owners are in it for the long haul, the are doing remarkably well for all the adversity they bought into to, but it takes time. I'm very encouraged about the future here. Appreciate your checking the video out my friend.

[@davenitsch6094]

Great video Dave, learned a lot! A lot more respect of the company!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Dave for the kind words, yes we are so much better off now than we were before, it's a good feeling to know these guys are determined and dedicated. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@dmorgan28]

Thanks Dave. We appreciate all your doing. I’m sure you effect outcome of a lot of things. ❤️👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Don for the very kind words and you are welcome. I'm only one of many who are tying to make this a world class coal mine like we once had here. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@currentfaves65]

Best wishes to Justin Thompson and team ! Really hope you guys succeed !

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you current faves for the nice comment, we are succeeding albeit one step at a time but we are going in the right direction constantly. New owners are a blessing to this operation! Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@rebelrailroader]

Dave, thanks for a fantastic video as always my friend. I hope you get to enjoy the Spring on the track.

[@ccrx6700]

your welcome Zach, glad you enjoyed. We are in a big shut down right now for a new long wall move, lot's of track time and getting a lot done. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@kenfenske5002]

It's an interesting question to ask. You've got to mine the coal but that's useless without a way to transport it, and the other way round. A couple weeks ago you mentioned the huge cost of new rail sections, it blew my mind.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Ken for sharing your thoughts. In railroading the saying goes, you ignore your infrastructure at your own peril. You can mine all the coal you want but you have to maintain your transportation system to get it to market. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jtg2737]

03:06, The word "dilapidated" was pronounced correctly as many people say "delapatated" for some reason? Hello from TEXAS as always. Thank you for keeping us informed.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you JY G for the nice comment. Glad you enjoyed. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@jtg2737]

@@ccrx6700 THANK YOU. J.

[@jefffixesit60]

I'm always impressed with how much you get done with the resources available to you. Thanks for the video, happy rails!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Jeff for the kind words, that was very thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@garymessina1609]

Great budget and down time explanation Dave hopefully people understand great video thanks

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Gary for writing in with the excellent comment. Very glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@davidchristensen6908]

Very good lessons. It’s good for people to hear the real world.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed David. Thank you for the very nice comment. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@paulfalzarano5930]

I would agree with your new owner that everything about you and your company is positive. Keep up the good work and the great videos👌

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Paul for really kind words. That was quite thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@transmitterguy478]

Great video Dave, keep on doing what you do for us, Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Transmitter Guy, nice to hear you enjoyed it. Was nice of you to stop by and write in my friend.

[@beverlymichael5830]

You are a big part the rail is such a small portion of down time. You take pride in keeping the track maintained. That have a gem of an employee with you Dave.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Beverly for the totally awesome comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. But I am only 1 cog in the wheel, much credit also goes to co workers, management, contractors and a few good men who used to work on track that are now retired. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@johnkelley9877]

Excellent video with a lot of good information! Thanks for sharing this Dave.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you John for the really kind comment. Very glad to hear you enjoyed the presentation. Appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@tomedgar4375]

The budget drives everything, and there is always more to do than available funds. Wants and needs are different. Another great video Dave

[@ccrx6700]

Very well said Tom! Could not agree with you more. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and share your thoughts with us. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@dorothycole8611]

Excellent!!! Good history lesson. Very well explained.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the kind words, so glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day.

[@briankemp5206]

Great update on your company, It nice to have a company that cares about it people.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Brian. Thank you for the very nice comment. This a a great company to work for now and yes they are trying their best to treat the employees well. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@335m5]

Keep up the good work Dave!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you 335m for writing in with the kind words, glad you are enjoying. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Bassotronics]

Great info. I hope this year is prosperous and no derailments. Analyzing what’s needed to be done, staying within budget and keeping safe is key to keeping the business going. Keep on Railroadin’!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bassotronics for writing in with the nice comment. You are right in your synopsis of how to run a business. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@timothyandelmo541]

This channel is beyond awsome love the info u give us

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Timothy for the really nice comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@marvsmoir701]

Great videos, You all have a very interesting but difficult job!! Love the hands on detail discussions... Working heavy machinery..WOW That's Railroading... I was just reading your Why the Derailment at Curve 18 Happened and there were some good comments.. It's hard to get engineering/technical consensus on web... but better than nothing. High Density Poly Florine bowl plastic liner probably does not need lube. check supplier. Rusty metal will grind plastic bowl liner and liner rim.. the bowl rim HDPF and metal takes a lot of car brake loads and rocking sway forces so maintenance should check rim dimensions/integrity and car mate dimensions. You did not mention the 'king' pin... Looseness should not jam truck steering but looseness may increase bowl loads, cracking of plastic liner, rim wear, car wear, etc

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Marv for sharing the very well thought out comment. Great to hear you are enjoying the videos. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out them out. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@artillerest43rdva7]

It is so nice to get the story “ from the horses mouth” we on the out side do not know all the events that impact any company.like any business they want to be safe, and keep efficiency at the highest possible, where the bottle necks are, that is where the key points that need change, and the funds are directed there. Having a set budget helps to keep the tracks in a safe and maintained, but like you said investment capital is limited, and has to be put where it has the biggest impact. Dave you do such a wonderful job showing the inside story, and you know what is going on seeing it all first hand. good management makes such a large impact upon the day to day operations of any company. they give good or a bad direction the company is directed into the future! great video Dave, thank you for your time informing us what is on going on with in Cumberland mine.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Barry for the awesome and well thought out comment. Always appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@artillerest43rdva7]

@@ccrx6700 Dave I just want to wish for you and yours all the best over Easter, hope you and your family are able to celebrate together. God bless and keep up the wonderful work. barry

[@ccrx6700]

@@artillerest43rdva7 👍😊❤️

[@artillerest43rdva7]

@@ccrx6700 Hay Dave: just want to wish for you and yours all the best over the Easter weekend, wishes for a wonderful time with yours all together with your family. Have a wonderful celebration. God bless and take care. barry

[@woodyg75]

Thanks for the breakdown Dave. That was very informative. As long as safety is not comprised, it makes to prioritize investment.

[@ccrx6700]

your welcome Pupp I, you are right but with our new owners safety it a priority, it only makes good sense to do that. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@michaeldunagan8268]

That was a very nice content and professional-looking year in review publication.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Michael for the visit today to check out the video and for the really nice comment my friend.

[@rejectranch5486]

Another informative video! Great job Dave

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Reject Ranch for the kind words, so glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@kls816]

Dave this is great information and a great video as usual! Thanks for sharing all of this with us. Well done!

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Kerry. Thank you for the really awesome comment. That was most thoughtful of you to say that. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@shon9kemp]

Another great video. Sounds like you work with a great bunch of ppl and a great company

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you shon kemp for the nice comment, yes indeed this is a very good place to work, glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@tpobrienjr]

It is not the big picture, but there are lots of maintenance events and trips that could be recorded and tracked on moving and static equipment. The detector events catch things, but maybe they could be caught earlier. In any case, it's not my field. Railroad parts are well made, but they do wear out, and failure is somewhat predictable. I would suggest tracking the parts failures by vendor. I can see from the videos that this RR doesn't cut corners, and runs a safe operation. My 2 cents. Thanks for asking.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Thomas for the well thought out comment. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@TheTreegodfather]

This is incredibly spot-on sir. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you The Treegodfather for saying that. Glad you enjoyed. We very much appreciate your taking the time to tune in and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@KWMeikle]

Thanks for the insight into the company.

[@ccrx6700]

Really glad you enjoyed Kevin. Thank you for the nice comment. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@melvinschmecklebak3766]

Very interesting. It's good to see that a management and owner change is improving your life

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Melvin for the nice comment. Yes indeed our new owners are making significant improvements and are dedicated to making this a world class operation once again. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.