Re: "Save Time & Money By Avoiding Bedlam & Confusion" ...

A great set of pics Russ at an unusual angle (and one that I didnt get) Thanks for posting

To be honest I think there has been a lot of un-necessary negativity towards Bernd's / Petes efforts in regards to this trip, fron many different quarters. I did the full 8 day trip, bus and all and yes, there were some issues and yes, there are some things I would change given the opportunity, but certainly nothing like I have experienced on other trips over 25 years.

The biggest issue for me was communication, both between the 2 operators and the operators and participants. The first time we heard about car-pooling was by chance during the trip - it wasnt broached with any of the Europeans particularly as they/we had paid for the bus / train and I guess it was assumed we wouldnt want to lineside. I would have given the opportunity. There were issues over artistic licence in regards of photo-lines and to be honest, by the end I was tired of "train in the landscape" European style. Yes we also dicked about too long to get certain shots - 2 hours to do 3 run buys on the Highline at Rockwood meant Pete had to forgo locations he particularly wanted and hours spend sitting on your butt in a field while the loco had to run off for servicing also seemed a waste. On the other hand, having to deal with 3 management administrations within the C&TS, it is a tribute to the determination of Bernd that it managed to go run at all and the obvious success has created an opportunity for future events. All in all, it was a great trip (from a foreigners perspective) and I might even try and get back for next years.

My 2c from Down Under...

Grant B