Here is what the "new" group proposing operation of the old Colorado central and C&S 71 has submitted to Central City;
[
www.colorado.gov]
Makes for some interesting reading.
A few quick highlights;
-Operation will be the same mile as the last two (out and back, no run around)
- They are proposing to run 71 for eight round trips a day, 6 days a week, 110 or more total operating days a year
-They "conservatively" estimate first year ridership of either 79,200 or 79,500
- There is no way that the submitted plans for the new engine house are up to code. (Unless I have missed something, 1/16" plywood, cardstock and acetate are not acceptable materials for the construction of 1 to 1 scale buildings)
My thoughts (for the one Zimbabwe Dollar that they are worth...);
-Seems like an awfully abusive schedule for a one of a kind historic locomotive like 71, especially given the shape it is in after the last attempt at operation. Not sure 6 days a week of operation would be in the best interest of combine 20 and its nearly complete and original interior either.
- It would be neat to see 71 and the combine back on display on the original grade, especially in a building. Might also be neat to see them operated once or twice a year, but not as the sole equipment of an operation as proposed. 71 is an original Clear Creek locomotive and Central City is an appropriate place for it to be displayed and it has had a mostly happy home there for almost 80 years.
- While the Central City operation may be viable now, given the increase in population in Colorado over the last 30 years, it would seem that even the "low" estimate of 79,200 riders for the first year is wildly optimistic at best. To put it in perspective, based on the proposes 110 operating days per year, that equates to 720 passengers per day, every day. Given their proposed 8 round trips per day, that would mean that no less than 90 people would have to ride every single train that was operated. Among other issues, there just is not the parking near the train (the depot site is on the side of a hill and offers no parking, just barley room for two tracks) nor other infrastructure in the area to support that level of patronage. I would think that a weekend only operation at first that might grow into 4 or more days a week would be more realistic and that it might stabilize at 25-30,000 riders per year at best. As such, a small diesel and a few cars, with 71 on display and possibly operated for 1 or 2 special events each year would appear to be a much more realistic and sustainable plan. I just don't see a mile of push-pull operation over historic, but not overly scenic track located a bit off the beaten path ever attracting Georgetown Loop level ridership.
- Basically, the bottom line is, it would be a shame to sacrifice 71 and the combine for an unrealistic pipe dream.
Jason Midyette
