Re: Pagosa <-> Cumbres <=> Toltec Siding ...

Russo Loco Wrote:
=======================================================
> Rich Muth Wrote:
> ===================================
> > Russ: This group offers (it has been doing this
> > for a number of years) folks who are staying in
> > Pagosa an opportunity to ride the C&TS:
> >
> > Wilderness Journeys Pagosa
>
>
> Thanks, Rich -
>
> Obviously, I was totally unaware of this service!
>
> IMHO, it offers the C&TS a GREAT opportunity to
> expand its offerings into one of the best
> populations, demographically speaking, that it is
> best suited for and most wants to attract:
> high-end vacationers in Pagosa Springs with plenty
> of time and discretionary income on their hands.
>   Being ensconced here in the Pokey in Pagosa
> (no thanks to Steve and Willie), I have had plenty
> of time to ponder the following what-ifs, should a
> Cumbres - Toltec Siding round trip, powered by #15
> or #19, be offered by the C&TS: 1.  In
> addition to offering an alternative half-day trip
> to those staying in Antonito and Chama, it could
> save Wilderness Journeys customers - and buses -
> enough time to be worthwhile, or at least allow a
> somewhat later departure that would be more
> convenient for resort customers.
>  
> 2.  If timed right, it could actually serve
> as an advertisement for C&TS' full-day trips
> (suppose that the W-J bus "just happened" to be
> passing Lobato Trestle as the regular eastbound
> train was crossing, or "had" to stop at the Hiway
> 17 crossing above Dalton ... see Roger's "School
> Train" video)
>  
> 3.  Instead of a full hour lunch at Dalton,
> stop just long enough for passengers to use the
> "facilities" and pick up their beef, ham,
> liverwurst or turkey sandwich box lunches (while
> inhaling the delicious aromas of the full lunch
> they're missing out on, and - of course - getting
> a glimpse of the souvenir shop).
>  
> 4.  Departing just after they have a chance
> to watch both of the regular trains arrive -
> deluxe parlor cars and all - pulled by their
> fascinating 90+ year old steam locomotives.
>  
> 5.  Being passed by said fascinating
> steam-powered eastbound train after the little
> diseasel has run around their train at Toltec
> Siding (and maybe switched the caboose to the
> other end.)
>  
> 6.  Stopping at Osier just long enough on the
> return trip for a brief visit to the "Facilities"
> - and the souvenir shop ...
> Clearly there would be some details to work out,
> but Scenic Railways proved in 1975 that the basic
> concept of a diseasel-powered round trip through
> the Heart of the High Country is workable - and
> profitable - so why not give it a try?

And using it to expose the riders to the real thing
is an opportunity too good to miss!