John et al -
First, let me remind you of Pete Lerro's charter on September 22, 2011,
and the possibility of an afternoon+evening charter on the 21st.
In regards to the latter
:
1) a. While the contractors are finishing Lobato Trestle, is it possible that John Matthews' track crew could make the connector track at Lava Loop fully - and safely - usable?
b. If so, would the current hours-of-service laws allow time for a photo freight to be operated from the summit of Cumbres Pass to Lava Loop and back, including dinner at Osier, with enough extra time for several run-bys?
2) a. If #1a/b is a "No.", is the wye at Big Horn fully functional? (I know that the west switch and southwest leg of the wye have been used two or three times in the last few years, but are the northeast switch and east leg usable as well?)
b. If so, would the current hours-of-service laws allow time for a photo freight to be operated from the summit of Cumbres Pass to Big Horn Wye and back, including dinner at Osier, with enough extra time for several run-bys?
If #1 above, or even #2 are "Yes", then I suggest to Pete that the trip on the 21st start mid-day from Cumbres with a single engine (will #463 be ready by mid-September?), return from either Lava or Big Horn in time for dinner at Osier, and that there be an evening photo session at Osier and a night photo session at Apache Crossing - both with appropriate human and vehicular "props" in attendance
...
Need I mention that it is strongly suggested that Pete's proposed charter on the 21st be supported by as many of us as possible?
*****
Since the full moon in September will be on the 12th, we won't see a moon at all during the afternoon and evening of the 21st. I for one am therefor also VERY interested in Mr. West's proposed "Springtime" trip in 2012 - especially if it can be coordinated to take advantage of the almost-full moon around June 1st or 2nd, and especially if a round-trip from Cumbres to Lava Loop can be arranged. Since #463 should be back in service for sure by then, I suggest her as the motive power - lettered in the classic 'Denver & Rio Grande Western' with herald style, essentially the same as #315's current livery.
If hours-of-service rules are a limitation, let's plan ahead for a crew change during dinner at Osier if necessary, and include the extra costs thereof in the advertised ticket price. If we're going to re-do "Springtime", let's learn from last year do it 100% right next time!!
-
Russo de la Luna
