Not to be outdone by Russ Sperry I have decided to run my own charter June 14th(one day before my estimated taxes are due....I can use your support here), on the C&TS from Antonito.
The 268 has been fully restored and for the first year ONLY of its second life it will be in the familiar "Bumble Bee" paint scheme to represent the Chicago RR Fair it participated in 1948. Since we missed the 50th anniversary we are not waiting for the next big anniversary, but taking the bull by the horns and doing it in 2010. I wanted to be the first one to run the 268 Bumble Bee, before Sperry or any other outfit can get their hands on some different paint.
The C&TS is not taking reservations for this, you have to go directly through our marketing department for tickets.
Here is a brief outline of the consist and the itinerary.
268 will pull a mixed train consisting of about 8 freight cars, a specially painted yellow passenger coach, and D&RGW caboose 0503. Tender and all consist will be lettered D&RGW.
To keep chasers from getting good shots we will have a huge banner drapped over every freight car and over the front of the engine. The banner will say "Have DVD will travel"!
The train will depart Antonito before sunlight so nobody can photograph it(including the ticket holders), and we will set out westward doing at least 50 runbys for the day. At Osier we will turn the entire train on the loop and head east to get the morning light, turn on the Lava Loop and head back west for the Afternoon light, change Crews in Osier, run to Cumbres, turn on the wye and head back to Antontio arriving sometime before dawn!
Ticket sales will be limited to 68 since that is the last two digits of the engine number. Bring your own water, cause nothing is free on this trip since we have to pay so much for the engine and the railroad time.
Here is a list of prices for services provided.
(1) Roundtrip Fare $268.00
(2) One way Fare $260.00
(3) Hot meal at Osier $55.00
(4) Sandwich on the train $20.00
(5) Chips $10.00
(6) Soda Pop $8.00
(7) Bottle Water $9.00
Getting grief from your host....no charge...Priceless.
A go or no go date will be set for May 15th, so act today.
Extra profits will go to the Friends of the 268.
Greg Scholl
