trainrider47 Wrote:
=======================================================
> Hi Greg,
>
> I sympathize with people who are on fixed incomes
> and who can't afford today's prices, but costs are
> what they are. The Western Maryland Scenic
> charged $4,400 ten years ago. This year it is
> $8,000. That percentage increase is pretty much
> in line with what every other railroad is
> charging. The US average price for gas in 1993
> was $1.00. Today it's above $3.00. And so it
> goes.
Yes, I know all that, and while it would be nice to do fantrips for $25.00 like we did in the 50's and 60's, I am aware prices have gone up.
>
> If people can't afford the prices railroads are
> charging today, there will simply be fewer
> charters. The railroad's don't make much money
> off charters anyway, so don't expect them to cut
> prices in the hopes of generating more. Tourists
> are where their income comes from.
>
Yes, and they could care less about folks taking pictures, except they
hope maybe some will indeed buy tickets, or will get some free publicity.
> As you yourself suggested, riding and chasing
> regular tourist trains is much more affordable,
> but do buy a ticket.
Whoa boy!!! You missed my point entirely. My point was that chasing a regular tourist train, might be more "REALITY" than paying thousands of dollars for some hoaky made-up train with changed engine numbers and such that supposedly depicts the old days. The tourist train runs every day, as a revenue run as it was intended to operate. Its like going out and shooting pics of the local bus run---okay bad analogy!!
Yes, its great to see steam specials because you can see the train and photograph it in places you could not normally do so. On some lines this is easier and more rewarding than others. If I want to simply enjoy riding over said railroad, then I will buy the ticket and sit back and enjoy the ride, the steam sounds, and the scenery. If I am paying $2k for 4 days, $600 for 2 days, or whatever, I expected to be blown-over with great stuff!!! The problem today is that the risk is becoming too great(For me that is) based on what I see as the reward. You seem to be getting less and paying more for it. Its now a major financial gamble!!!
Without that, you may have
> fewer tourist trains to chase in the future as
> well.
---That statement is pure bunk, Michael!!!
Greg
>
> Michael Allen