pd3463 Wrote:
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> Shorter runs might make it more appealing but I
> don't think you will save much. Osier is a fixed
> cost for operation. Only food amounts change.
> Wear and tear on the train might be less but I
> suspect not that much.
> Bottom line is some savings can be more costly.
>
> Maybe run short trains to lava for sunrise and
> maybe sunset. Maybe have conserts at Osier. Maybe
> equipment demos at various points like the pile
> driver.
> Maybe they need a goose or better yet increase the
> premium cars. This is working for the D&S. Maybe
> they need a silver vista?
> Bottom line is that though they are a living
> museum, ultimately they are in the entertainment
> business. The ride is part of it as well as the
> scenery. How do you get the masses to ask you
> questions though. This is how you know you have
> hooked them. If they sit and smile they will not
> tell many of the trip. But if you engage them they
> will tell others because they were challenged.
> Some short runs will be better for this but
> ultimately I feel this is a key over all for every
> part of the railroad.
Nothing requires trains to stop at, or even go as far as, Osier.
To me, the ultimate issue is time. Yes, I know DSNG day is roughly the same length, but that is beside the point. Osier is not Silverton; you cannot compare the two experiences. The point of a shorter run would be to reduce cost somewhat and reduce the total time commitment immensely. To me, the goal is to get the time commitment down to 4 hours. Right now, riding CATS requires committing at least part of three days - the day you travel to Chama/Antonito, the day you ride the train, and the day you travel away from Chama/Antonito. With a reduced ride, the commitment would be reduced to parts of 2 days. Yes, I know that would reduce hotel business in the area, but building railroad business needs to be a higher goal.
