Re: Accommodating the photogs & phoamers

Russo Loco Wrote:
=======================================================
> JoeK Wrote:
> ===================================
> > A variety of people have agreed to help
> > with various projects to make this a suc-
> > cess.  I've volunteered for onboard con-
> > cessions.   The cook car is a kitchen on
> > wheels.
>
> Which fits perfectly with JBWX' suggestion for box
> lunches to maximize time out on the line.  In
> addition to snacks, have bread and various
> ingredients for sandwiches available.  That
> way riders can eat when they get hungry so the
> only time spent at Osier will be that needed to
> turn the engine and for photo ops at the water
> tower before and after.
>
> > Any suggestions for snacks, beverages?
>
> Much as I would enjoy an Arrogant Bastard or
> GRAMPS Triple Chocolate Stout, I have to suggest
> NO ALCOHOL on board.  Unlike the parlor car
> and the dinner / wine-tasting trains,
> phraud-o-graphers will be getting on and off the
> train several times, often in rough
> locations.  The last thing you need is some
> Wild-Eyed Phoamer from California tripping on the
> tracks!
>
> > Others are in a group to operate OP
> > or OB.   ????
>
> It has been announced that the demo(s) of OB
> and/or OP will be on Sunday, in the yard at
> Antonito.  As one of those asked to help with
> this trip, I STRONGLY suggest that you stick to
> that plan.  ANY attempt to set up a demo out
> on the line will GREATLY impact the schedule, to
> the point that you will probably not even make it
> past Big Horn - and there's not much in the way of
> Fall Colors until you get to Sublette ...
>
> > If someone's got a good idea, call or e-
> > mail the Friend's Albuquerque office and
> > get involved now.  Other than the idea by
> > Bob Reib, this is a group effort.
> >
> > The venue is set and the prices for tickets
> > seem reasonable.  I did hear that Alan has
>
> > agreed to be the conductor.
>
> Based on which announcement, I bought a caboose
> ticket earlier this morning.  Alan Loomis has
> many years experience running photo charters -
> IMHO, with Alan in charge things should run
> smoothly and lots of good photos will be taken.
>
> > In another words, things other than date
> > and consist are open for good ideas.
>
> What about the time?   Is it too late to
> postpone departure by a couple of hours to take
> advantage of afternoon light at the west portal of
> Rock Tunnel as suggested by John West (above) &
> Kevin Madore (below), and evening light at Osier
> as was suggested by yore's trooly??   How do
> other potential customers feel about this???
>
> > Sunset for October 3 is approximately 18:45.*
> > Sunrise will be 07:00.  The hardest thing
> to
> > predict is peak fall color.   In some
> recent
> > years, peak color was rather late.  However
>
> > I'm hoping for an early snow.    
> Octo-
> > ber 11 a couple years ago was about 8-12"
>
>
> Sounds like fun, Joe -
>
> My basic advice is to keep it simple, not
> complicate things by trying to do too much, and
> above all don't over-promise and under-deliver.
>
> As to snow, if there's a storm a few days before
> it will help turn the leaves (if it doesn't blow
> them away).   A cold, dry snow on the day of
> the trip can make for some beautiful photos - if
> you're dressed right to take advantage of
> it.  OTOH let's hope you DON'T get a cold
> rain that later turns to slushy, sticky snow like
> we did on the Jim Trowbridge charter in
> mid-September, 1996:
>
>
> - El Greengo Curmudgeoño Viejo y Verde de
> la Costa del Oro
> aka  Der
> DünkelOlivGrünDampfKesselMantelLiebHaber
>
>
> * You don't need full darkness for a night photo
> shoot. In fact, IMHO, twilight is actually better,
> with a bit of color still in the sky - like this
> one set up by Michael Ripley back in August,
> 2010:
>

Russo,

Don't let your imagination run a wee bit.

As I mentioned, this isn' my idea. However long time ago in a galaxy far away I asked Russ Hanscom if he'd run or demo OP if it ran on a charter. He said yes. So there's the OP group!

Russ is immensely talented. As well, super nice guy. In addition to OP, he's the talent behind the pole barn and the currently being built passenger trucks. Where can anyone ride in a charter like this and chat with the guy who rebuilt OP?

Only parameter I was told is this....it takes 30 min to bring OP operational. For photos OP is one thing. However for those of us who like video, OP running with 463 steam is priceless. Doesn't matter where, when. OB group is John Engs. If there's questions, he's the guy to ask.

There is also no parameters with food, beverages. However I'm no fan of a dried out sandwich, chips and a soda. I'd like some reasonable snacks for the ride along with something tasty for a meal. I do like Tim Tennant ' s idea of wine, cheese, crackers on the annual moonlight train. The wine, cheese and crackers is immensely popular. However this might not be a wine and cheese crowd but beer n chips.

Like I said, questions, concerns or want to help, call, email the Friends Albuquerque office.