Re: Still a chance to sign up for the Lerro Charter early May

Regarding the 1309, I just learned they cannot turn it on the turntable, so its a one-way chase, meaning 2 shots per 10 mile one-way trip. Lots of effort for two days driving to get there.

Regarding the Big Boy, my thoughts all along have been I give it a 50-50 chance to make it to Ogden. My thoughts with no inside info. Don't get me wrong I want it to run and want to see it eventually.

As to Kevins points, I agree these charters are controlled and to some extent super phony. For shear steam enjoyment you don't need a charter, but then that's the only way you will experience some things like the 18, Eureka, 315, etc. Sometimes I like a challenge, not having spoon-fed steam, as one of my friends used to call it. On my 2014 trip to Colorado I enjoyed riding the C&TS and D&S for that matter, and was happy to get some challenging locations for C&TS specials and regular trains. Cresco for example is a place I hiked into, despite elevation issues, and I enjoyed it with the passenger train working hard, just as much as I did years ago with C&TS charters and regular passenger trains. Also less folks to deal with for talking, getting elbows in the way, and no machine gun camera clicks.

There are many ways to enjoy the steam experience and each to his own.

Greg
[www.gregschollvideo.com]