Trying to fit in with other RR's September Specials sounds like a good idea, but that happens to be the fall color "stock rush" at the C&TS and there is a capacity issue. Chama Steam advertised early morning and late afternoon shots, but with only one crew per loco, that didn't happen. It isn't clear if that was a cost issue or if the railroad just didn't have the extra crews available. Even if there appear to be enough crews, crew rest time becomes an issue anytime they work a 12 hour day. Giving them 10 hours of mandated rest pretty much means they aren't available for early the next morning.
Combining a C&TS winter charter with the D&S winter trip might work. The idea of offering two or three days of trains in a four day window is also intriguing. The extra cost of a night in a motel is small potatoes, compared with the charter itself, airline flights and car rentals.
Michael Allen
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/04/2013 07:10AM by trainrider47.