Re: Friends Charter Flyer

The chaser vs rider disputes have been going on since the beginning of the C&TS. I have chased and ridden many charters and special trains since 1971. When the charter offered chaser passes I have always paid. I understand both sides. I can't speak for others, but I often chase as I can get better photos than riding. For the RGS charters last fall, I contacted Tim Tennant and asked how I could pay my fair share as a chaser. I and my fellow chaser were told to make contributions to the 168 project and to the Friends. I have chased several times with Ernie Robart as Ernie knows the railroad better than almost anyone. I have spoken to John Bush and Tim about chaser passes and I know they are hard to do. Many would not buy the passes and so would it be fair to those who do. I know there are problems with parking at the runby locations. But this will continue to be a problem as the roads are public. I am suggesting the operators of charters make arrangements to accommodate chasers. While some would cheat and not buy a pass, many would and it would help defray the cost of the charters.

As I said, I have been both a rider and a chaser. Each offers opportunities for photographs. Hopefully the charters can be planned to accommodate both.

Following is an example of a photo I shot while chasing a Jay Wimer charter. I purchased a chaser pass for this run. One of the photos I shot that morning made the cover of last years Friend's calendar. I could not have gotten this shot if I was riding.




As a note, the photo used on the Friends Flyer is a photo I shot while chasing a charter.