Re: Rotary not only game - but need to do SOMETHING!!

Actually, I don't recall discussing the potential impact of Winter Specials on Chama. Frankly, I don't feel qualified to raise or address that issue today. And that's because I really don't understand who or what is the operating entity for the C&TS today. Is it a business, as Scenic Railways, Inc. or Kyle Railways was? Is it some kind of NPO like the CHS? It really isn’t clear to me.

But in either case I don't see why the operator of the C&TS is in any way obligated to sacrifice itself to shore up the motels and restaurants in Chama. I realize that that is not what you are asking for, and yet it is, and always has been an underlying expectation for the C&TS. The reality is that Chama's hospitality sector needs the C&TS more than the C&TS needs them. So the question should be what are they doing about it? And please note that I am not just assuming that they are doing nothing, I simply don't know.

Would a two or three day event on the C&TS in late winter or early spring be the event of the winter, or would it be part of a series of winter season events in the area? In either case, would it have any real impact on the business community -- especially enough of an impact to justify the additional cost and the potential for additional problems that it would create for the C&TS operator? Especially this spring, when local time, energy and resources will (should) be tied up with the trestle rebuild? If it was the event, would it really do much good? If it was one of several events, would it do that much more good? I suspect that Roger, with a foot in each camp (C&TS and Chama hospitality), would be in a better position to answer this than we are.

Regarding “contingency planning in the event that the trestle is not ready by opening day,” I just don't see what the problem is. Unless the market has drastically changed since "my day" a significant number of C&TS patrons still have to come through Chama to get to Cumbres Pass. All that need be done is to explain that the trains still run -- you just have to drive a little farther to catch them. It’s just salesmanship.

I have to go now, will finish this later.

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Later: Upon rereading your comment I notice that you keep using the term “fan.” I think I have pointed out several times now that railfans should not be confused with normal people and vice-versa . It is important to keep in mind that the term fan is derived from the word fanatic, “a person whose enthusiasm or zeal for something is extreme or beyond normal limits” (World English Dictionary). I don’t think it is possible to have spent much time among C&TS passengers without realizing that this describes very few of them. My point is that the concern here should be with normal people, not fans. Tell the normal people that the Cumbres departure will knock almost two hours off the length of the trip, spare them the cinder shower, and they will be delighted. Discount the price (was that done in 2010?) and they will be thrilled. Or would it be possible to run the Cumbres departure to Toltec Siding for the published price? That would add some pizzazz potential.

Consider also some kind of early season train/lodging/meal package that could be promoted in the New Mexico market. Maybe the Friends could work out a super special rate for members who come up for the May/June work sessions. Lots of possibilities.

OK, that's enough. Maybe I should change my handle to "the Cumbres Rambler."

"Time spent with CATS is never wasted." -- Sigmund Freud

"Nothing endures but change." -- Heraclitus

"C'est le meilleur des mondes possibles." -- Candide



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2010 09:46PM by gothpapa.