Russ,
The fact that Mr. West wants to run an afternoon train up the hill from Chama, I believe dictates that the patrons use the train. Thats because
some of the best AFTERNOON shots will be easier to get to from the railroad. We did such a train on Craft's trip in 1992. This was an afternoon train with a doubleheader and a rear pusher(497). This was cool cause the rider gon was right ahead of 497 and it made some awesome video.
Anyway, there were at least two runbys, and maybe three in the area around Lobato. Coming off the bridge in the afternoon is great as the sidelight is from the west, and on the nose as it curves off the bridge and into the big cut. I believe we also did another one up the hill(below the lodge), then another one before the second crossing.
After that we all used buses and drove to Coxo and walked from the crossing upgrade to a location where the crossing could not be seen, but allow us full sun and the train ran nonstop along windy point in glinting sunlight to Cumbres. If I remember correctly they did not want to stop the train and back-up with the three engines, or some such.
I think if you had two engines(or one for that matter), it would be easier for most to simply stay on the train and get off and on at each spot. I think you would be looking at about 6 runbys for the day, upgrade.
Now, if you were doing a morning departure I would recommend using cars and get on at Cumbres. This is because you would want to do a lot of runbys between Osier and Antonito so blast up the hill and chase.
Ultimately I think John will have to see what costs are and what locations he chooses will dictate if fans ride or chase. If you are going for some "Different" remote shots then you need the train to get you there.
Greg
