The Revitalist

Yesterday's Globe had an interesting article about the blacksmiths that are keeping the MBTA on the rails (the cool photos that accompanied the article aren't online anymore—photo archive anyone?). The six blacksmiths fix anything and everything that goes wrong with the trains and tracks, as well as manufacture standard and custom tools. Not surprisingly, you just can't buy parts for some of the older trains anymore. It's a great example of how, despite our modern age, traditional crafts are still relevant to the world we live and work in. Unfortunately, it's also a window into the machinations of the MBTA: "In 1995, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority got rid of its blacksmiths while trying to save costs. Over the following five years, however, they were hired back, their jobs too important to the health of the 110-year-old system." The article suggests that the six blacksmiths working now are working at capacity. Should the MBTA increase their apprenticeship program? Was firing the blacksmiths (the only ones who can make many of the needed repairs) a false economy? The next time you're on a train with a "disabled train up ahead" think about these guys.