My experiences regarding the Railstar operation this year are as follows. Please understand that these are my experiences alone:
Dining at the Happy Cooker (quiche of day is awesome!): A couple from Kansas on their way to California were upset that they couldn't get on the train. I helped them map out a different plan, including local hike and a trip to the Energy Museum.
While in line at Ice Cream store: 2 Sisters who drove up from Denver and couldn't get on the train. Found out it was diesel and decided they didn't care (their dad had been a steam engineer). Plus they were having a great time in Georgetown anyway. They particularly liked shopping at Sophies Gally & buckskin Trading Co.
A couple of strangers who met up in front of a shop downtown who reminicsed about days yore when steam whistles could be heard. Both strangers were waiting for other people in their party to get done shopping while they ate their ice cream from Fort Mackinaw. I was surprised to hear how much these people knew about the recent history of the train.
However, I do remember that the Loop gave tickets for the Slacker Marathon - and I'm sure the Loop has sponsored lots of other local events.
I believe that the gas situation has actually helped Georgetown, and Clear Creek County area in general. And I believe that if the train were a success, as it should be - with steam and all - we would be doing much better and the visitors to our area would be happier.
Steve, that is my honest opinion and account.
Steven Torrico Wrote:
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> And your point is Kerry Ann?
>
> 1. the season is not over yet
> 2. out of four months of operation, the loop is
> month and half into the "season" so, can't yet
> claim that there is no steam for the majority of
> the season....splitting hairs....yes, as a member
> of the Georgetown community, are you not pleased
> that the trains are running, all the scheduled
> trips, merchants should be enjoying what looks
> like is going to be the best season yet...everyone
> wants steam...including yours truly, the crews
> want steam...all God's children want steam at the
> loop....unfortunately (I guess), it seems everyone
> misses steam except the majority of the passengers
> riding the train. Ridership seems to have not
> slowed down due to the lack of steam.
>
> Kerry Ann, although your post is factual and
> points out plain facts without flame, for some of
> us....it still smacks of negative tones.
>
> Lets point out that the No.12 would be in
> operation today if not the FRA had stepped in less
> than 60 days before the opening weekend. So, now
> that all the folks that have had problems with the
> No.12, no longer have a beef. The 12 is in the
> process of being brought up to FRA regs.
>
> All the politics of the past are simply that...the
> past. The trains are running, no down days...and
> so, the folks in Georgetown and Silver Plume are
> benefiting from full ridership...what ever that
> figure is at this time....Railstar and CHS are
> providing reliable service....shouldn't we be a
> little pleased that the merchants are seeing full
> trains and reliable service....no?
