I don't. disagree with Kevin or Michael, and am well aware of the charters being a good source. But say someone doesn't care about the charters or freights, and just wants the normal train. My suggestions would work for that. Yes D&S has their normal specials with the coaches, but they also are limited to where they can unload 125 people, whereas if you are by yourself or a couple buddies you have a blank canvas to work with.
Being older I can no longer make long hikes, not so much because of age, but other health issues, including a knee which now has a brace(a good thing), and taking shots, which also help some. But the thought of loading and unloading and being scrunched in with a bunch of photogs all day is not so appealing either.
As for hiking, I did my share when I was younger. In 1975 I went to Europe by myself. I had two goals in mind. (1) Ride the cab of a 012 pacific before they were taken out of service (I got permission and did that), and (2) See the Ski Train on the Italian Fortezza-San Candido line which was 3-engines on Saturday during the ski season. I went for 2 weeks alone on a Eurorail Pass. I had no car, but after two weeks had arranged to travel with a Brit for 2 more weeks. Needless to say I didn't get a whole lot of stuff the first 2 weeks, but enjoyed riding trains around including behind some steam. So, I got my cab ride, then In Italy had to hike a mile or so to this great big sweeping curve that goes through a little town(Cut in the middle), and sweeps down below. This was March so a bit chilly to say the least. The Ski train came, and was diesel hauled....but at least the regular passenger train had a 741(Side-Stacker), and the week day freight was 2-8-0 on the Friday. So that was a hike for a 1 out of two success!!! We did some hiking in Germany in 1972 on a grade that was pretty good, but got rained on. I didn't mind hiking in the old days. I did a little on the C&TS in 2014, but alas was having some heart issues and the hiking and elevation made it worse. I am aiming for a trip to NG country in 2019, and am shooting for seeing 315(First time), and 168 on the same trip. Alas I may be forced into a charter to see them!!!! Arrgghh!!!
Greg
PS Anyone ever hike down to Cresco in the old days before that road was built. The climb down was slippery, but the climb back up was a killer. One of my favorite places though!
