Well my opinions pretty worthless, but since this IS a DISCUSSION group I will disagree.
The C&TS has always been playing second fiddle to D&S(in ridership), and in my mind part of that is the name recognition. Its tough to remember let alone pronounce. Its easy to remember the name Durango, or Silverton, thus Bradshaw picked the perfect name for his railroad when he bought it from the Rio Grande.
After 30 years C&TS is still hovering around 50,000 riders. They are in a tough spot and the name chosen does include the two major attractions on the line, but few outside the area
can relate to them.
My other arguement has to do with the historical significance. Was it not the Rio Grande, or the D&RGW before becoming a tourist line??? Well then if the C&TS is to be a museum and are trying to make everything historically accurate then the historical name should be used more. It can still be called the C&TS for advertising, but the pride of running historically correct equipment might actually be a selling point, and after all thats what will keep the railroad alive...sales.
And finally, with regard to extra sales, the fact the engines are Rio Grande lettered might actually benefit a few charter folks, since they wouldn't have to PAY more to have the painting and lettering done. I know in 1993 that affected my decission on doing 2 days of charters with 3 engines lettered Rio Grande. I did pay to have the 0503 painted Rio Grande, and if we had to pay for the 3 engines too we probably would not have done the charters due to the extreme extra costs!
A C&TS letter loco for a Friends charter frieght might be acceptable to the members, but I doubt you will get overseas charter folks or others who want to come here because RIO GRANDE engines actually operated over THESE tracks, and the same engines and some cars are still here....This is the most significant thing, and something that should be milked, for historical preservation. This is unique in American tourist railroading!
Sorry to get windy, but you got me going on this one.
Greg Scholl