Slow database

A week ago, several people noted the database was terribly slow. I tried everything I could to speed up the site, but with minimal effect. It turns out the server that holds my web site needed re-booting. That fixed the problem. But...please be sure to tell me if you ever encounter any more problems anywhere on my web site.

Web site look and feel

Look of entire web site modified slightly. The content remains the same. Currently, there are over 360 pages in the site.

Old catalogs needed

I added a "want list" page in an effort to find/re-acquire prices realized from older NASCA and Smythe sales. I hope against hope that this will be a temporary page, but something tells me it will be around for a long time. Please check your collection.

How to tell if certificates were ever issued

Added a new page to discuss how you can tell whether certificates were issued or not.

Switching to electronic newsletters (mostly)

August newsletter mailed. Henceforth, I will post newsletters on this web site in Acrobat format and notify subscribers that it is available. Increasing postage costs combined with the increasing size of the subscription list has convinced me of the necessity of going to a full electronic version. I will continue to mail paper copies to those without web access.

Company mini-histories

I have added a few short articles to the online database to let you see what I have in mind for gathering company biographies. Check out these companies:

FER-591, Ferrocarril Hidalgo Tulancingo & Tuxpam
MER-200, Merchants & Miners Transportation Co
STP-318, St Paul Eastern Grand Trunk Railway Co
TON-846, Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad Co Ltd
UIN-500, Uintah Railway Co
WIL-110, Wilkes Barre Connecting Railroad Co

Notes about companies

I have added a new Notes feature to the "Select company" page of the database search. These notes will show you all sorts of extra information about companies including organization dates, wrap-up dates, company nicknames, presidents. I am also starting to compile short company biographies. At this point, only a tiny handful of companies are represented.