This is my opinion and I am not speaking for the C&TSRR or The D&S
On Friday Roberta, Nick, Ed & I rode both polar express trains and here is what I saw: a large Santa outside the depot in the yard with a banner about Polar express. From the depot and the platform there was nothing different to see. In fact the polar express train and cars were not visible. THEN just like the book and the movie a train pulls into the station.
My suggestion is those of you that are expressing concern should watch the Polar Express video that D&S has available. This will answer a lot of your questions and concerns. At the end of my rant is a link to the video.
IMHO, and yes, I am a railfan: All of us railfans need to wake up and smell the roses. If he C&TSRR is to survive and become self sufficient, it is going to have to get more butts in the seats. This is just a fact. American Heritage Railways are professionals at getting more butts in the seats and while doing this still keeping and working on historic preservation. "Polar Express" - next year the C&TSRR will be running Polar Express trains out of Antonito. The train will load at the Antonito depot and will go to the North Pole ( Lava Tank ) and then return to Antonito. Polar Express trains will start after the regular season is over. So as far as us railfans are concerned we should look at this as a bonus cuz we know can get to smell coal smoke and see more steam than in the past. IMHO this bonus means its OK if I have to move over 3 feet in the yard to get a shot of the bonus steam and coal smoke with out a Santa Clause in my shot. The other bonus to us railfans is the 8 to 10 thousand additional riders will put money in the C&TSRR bank account so it can survive. Most important is YOU should take the time and watch the kids and look at their faces. We all agree we need new young railfans to take our places and you can see that this is what is happening.
Bottom Line IMHO: Us railfans need to stop being so selfish and accept the fact that for the benefit of the railroad we all profess to love, we need to participate by helping and supporting the efforts for the C&TSRR to reach self sufficient. You all should consider volunteering to help with the Polar Express season. There are going to be lots of volunteers needed and what a great way to get some new and different photos of steam at a different time of the year and then when you see the videos and updates showing all the young folks taking their first steps to becoming railfans you can sit back and smile cuz you helped make those smiles and laughter.
The end of my rant; thanks for taking the time to read it.
To the D&S Polar express video
roger ( a railfan )
