Polar Express Inaccuracies Explained.
The model railroad community has directed much criticism toward the producers
of the recent Polar Express movie for inaccurately portraying the workings of
the steam locomotive in advertisements for the movie's spin-off products. In a
surprise press release today, the Polar Express producers apologized for those
inaccuracies, but explained that they were necessary due to exorbitant demands
of licensing fees from the Union Pacific and CSX railroads to use their
patented designs of the steam locomotive mechanical configuration. Although
those patents have long expired, and are considered to be in the public domain,
UP and CSX are demanding that all who portray such designs in their work pay
exorbitant fees. Additionally, UP and CSX claim complete ownership of all works
incorporating their mechanical designs.
- posted
17 years ago