STORM TRACK: January 31, 1986 (Volume 9 Issue 2)

This is the 50th issue of Storm Track and an appropriate turning point in the history of this newsletter. With this copy, I am announcing a change in management. After the March 3l issue, the new Editor will be Timothy P. Marshall, 1336 Braaos, Lewisville, Texas 75067.

For the first time, Storm Track will be prepared by an accredited meteorologist. Tim received his B.A. in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University at De Kalb (1978), as well as an M.A. in Atmospheric Science (1980) and a second M.A. in Civil Engineering (1983) from Texas Tech University. He began chasing in 1977, continuing a lifelong interest since seeing his first tornado at age 11 -one of several deadly twisters that struck northern Illinois and his home town of Oak Lawn on April 21, 1967 (Doing FO damage locally, except for an F5 wipeout of his "tree fort"). Since then, he has seen and photographed 30, in- cluding a very rare mlle wide tornado. Tim occasionally chases with his wife, Kay, who is also a professional in quite a different but interesting line of work -as a "Vertebrate Preparator." With a degree in museum science, she prepares specimens for exhibits in museum display cases -including rare animals, small mammals and birds. Also, as a quali- fied ornithologist, she spends part of each storm chase spotting and recording Texas bird- life. Tim has published 15 technical and general interest articles (including photography) in various journals of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), Storm Data, Weatherwise, Storm Track, etc. His principal academic research was in developing a methodology for measuring the threshold wind speeds for various kinds of structural failure. He is cur- rently utilizing this knowledge in his job with Haag Engineering Company, as he studies damage claims brought to the firm by insurance companies, trying to determine whether and to what extent weather was a cause for specific claims (i.e. A rotten wind or dry rot?). Tim is a member of various professional organizations, including: The National Weather Association, AMS (President of the Local Chapter), American Society of Civil Engineers, American Concrete Institute, end the International Committee on Building Officials. Consequently, Tim Marshall brings to Storm Track a rich and varied background of professional training, extensive chase experience end a keen native interest in all severe storms, including hurricanes. Storm Track is certainly fortunate in acquiring such an editor and will be in very capable hands, beginning with the May 31 issue.

For my part, the time and work involved in writing, illustrating, publishing and mailing over 160 copies every two months is beginning to wear. Although I receive willing help from the family in certain of the more mundane tasks, it still remains largely a one man job -a week to ten days every two months. The illustrations alone take as much time as the writing and editing. Another concern is that it has been a little awkward for an east- coaster to collect and edit stories/accounts about mid-western and plains storms. While others have been very supportive in providing material, it is sometimes difficult -owing to distance and costs involved--to verify certain articles or to fill out partial accounts with more complete date. Also, I sense that the newsletter is becoming a little too faded, too much of one style and point of view. Turning it over to different hands may give it a new shot of vigor and imagination, perhaps with new Sections, perspectives and articles. I have encouraged Tim to put "his own stamp" on the newsletter and to try out different approaches. Making this change now, while it is still a strong and popular publication, is the right time. It affords new management more leeway to try out new ideas and formats. I will continue to contribute both articles and illustrations, even as the rest of you have been doing for me. The difference will be that--without the added burden of overall editing, assembly end publishing- I'll be less pressured and have more leisure time to be reflective, write and illustrate. In any case, after March 31, I shall join the rest of you in sending in articles and -then- eagerly awaiting each issue to see what new stories there are. I'm looking forward to it and to just becoming like everyone else.

I certainly encourage everyone to continue subscribing. Over the years, Storm Track has grown to fill a real need for chasers -to communicate with each other, share chase exper- iences and learn more about storm photography and severe storms. Your loyal and articulate support has helped shape it into a quality periodical, hopefully reflective of the best in chasing and portraying ourselves accurately and insightfully to the rest of the world. It's the only written medium that brings chasers together from across the country.

However, if you don't want to continue your subscription beyond the March 3l issue, please send me a written notice to that effect by March 15 ("The Ides of March"), and I'll return the unused balance of your subscription -plus reimbursement for your postage. If no such notice is received by then, your subscription will be continued under the new Editor.

After the March 31 issue, I'll pack up all current subscriber addresses, unpublished mater- ials, some of the correspondence and a check for the balance of the remaining subscriptions and send these to Tim Marshall. I shall do what I can to support and encourage Tim in this ambitious new undertaking. It is a time for new ideas and vision. If you continue to support him with articles and comments, as you did for me, then Storm Track will conti- nue to be creative, educational, entertaining and thought provoking -serving the needs of storm chasers everywhere.

Please note the increased subscription price with this issue -from $4.60 to $6.00. With the recent change in my copying source, expenses are again close to overtaking income. It also coincides closely with Tim's estimated requirement, when he takes over, so this in- crease is both appropriate and timely.