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

Viewing this tour from an outside perspective is different from a "local" view. I hadnt travelled with Bernd before, but I have done a couple of tours with IGE, another German operator, and photo opportunities on those trips were limited and photo line ettiquete almost non-existant. Without sounding racist (and apologies if it comes off that way, because it is not intended) but the Germans have a different mind set in relation to what they want and how they go about getting it. I know the Europeans (and the Japanese who left early) were very happy, probably because they were . In all fairness, I too was happy (apart from the multitude of night photos that I dont want to talk about ) I have done C&TS organised charters, a couple of Chris Skow charters and a Travel Bureau charter on the C&TS and I think possibly this was the best in relation to return on the investment. The guy I was travelling / rooming with, is a local, from "Joisy" (we have been doing these type of trips together for heading on 17 years) and his view is more along that of other US participants. I had my doubts, but the bus turned out ok, because the train never got to where we were going before us.

I do agree with your thoughts on the comfort levels. I completly understand what Bernd was trying to do in avoiding those hideous rider box cars, but after 10 hours standing in that rider-gon, I was glad to hit the bar for a beer. Something should have been done in relation to rider amenities in the 2 crew cars or a rotation through the caboose. Surely some plastic chairs could have been rounded up. There was the Pullman green coach on the D&S, but we incurred 2 hours to shunt the train and remove it for one run-by, so we had our "RG steam freight". I was impressed with the effort not to do photo runs in the "usual" locations, hence the early starts and differnt times to get different angles.It was all about trying to recreate what was, as best as possible, I think as a first attempt all are to be commended and if the worst that comes out of it is showing that multiple day tours and different set-ups are possible then it will be great for both the RR, Chama & Antonito business and participants.

I'd do another one...