Russ wrote:
I presume that the professional video producers fall somewhere in between. They probably try to at least break even or make a small profit from the charter itself - including travel expenses, etc. - and then come out farther ahead in the long run by selling videos.
Well, the fact I was a video guy had nothing to do with it really. First and foremost I was a D&RGW Steam fan. I was there primarily for the Rotary, and I knew that would be my bread and butter video-wise, not so much the charters. They were good ways to combine things and make the total trip and stay more worthwhile.
It is always nice to break-even. We did that in 1993, but never tried to really in 1997.
I think what I was getting at with offering different types of trips was to appeal to all types of ridership. Experimentation of course would bring out the best patronage trips and see what works. As I stated a popular trip might be a short photo freight run once a month. Folks who have ridden the railroad might want to do this for something different. A passenger train, or mixed train for the quasi-fans might be something do try as well. I am thinking in terms of moderately priced for these types, so as to not scare folks off.
What if a 3-day weekend of charters was offered, with three tiers of prices and three different degrees of service.
For example
(Day 1), Ride and photograph Antonito to Chama on a passenger train
(or make it Chama-Osier and return)....Leave two coaches at Cumbres
heading west.
(Day 2) Morning Photo Freight Chama-Cumbres, return with one coach.
Afternoon Photo Freight Chama-Cumbres using a different engine
return to Chama with one coach.
(Day 3) 2-engine freight train for the hard-core to Osier and Back.
Or make it Chama-Antonito one way.
This scenario actually provides 4 different ticket choices. The hardcore would probably go for Day 2 and 3, but the soft core might go for day one and part of day 2.
Again possibilities are endless. Sometimes I think it might be easier to keep things simpler without all the other logistics that come into play like busing, lodging, etc.
(Day 3 option)...On day two you could leave the freight cars at Cumbres
and start the 3rd day there heading east very early in the morning. See where above I left coaches for the Day 2 trips. Thus riders could board the freight at Chama, and ride downgrade in a coach.
All these charters come with some form of risk. Since my flue time is running out, its probably best I don't do more than help in planning if I can be of any help.
Greg Scholl