Re: Accommodating us Loco Curmudgeons

> > JoeK Wrote:
> > ===================================
> > > Like I said, questions, concerns or want to
> > > help, call, email the Friends Albuquerque
> > > office.
> >
> Russo Loco Replied:
> ===================================
> > {But ...   but ...  }   It's MUCH more fun, Joe -
> >
> > And more efficient, IMHO, to hash things out
> > right here in public - so nobody gets mis-quoted
> > and various ideas can be supported or opposed by
> > all concerned, in more-or-less real time.
> >
> > Tim and Alan can review this thread if and when
> > they wish, and make appropriate comments and
> > decisions as they see fit.
> >
> > - El Greengo Curmudgeoño de los Locos Viejos y Verdes
> > aka  Der DünkelOlivGrünDampfKesselMantelLiebHaber
> >
> > * Anyone named Russ can't be all bad ...  
>
JoeK Responded:
===================================
> Agreed.  No need for surprises.  And why not
> chat about stuff in the open?  Very likely the
> team leaders and Friends members who restored
> the equipment in the consist might be on-board
> the charter.  All are super nice people.  Anyone
> can ask questions as to what's possible with the
> equipment

IMHO, that's WONDERFUL, Joe!   I, and SFAIK several others who have already purchased tickets, are looking forward to meeting them and thanking them personally for all they have done to support The Friends, the C&TS, and our memories of the D&RGW.

> Again, don't {???} let your imagination run.  30 min
> set up for OP likely seems to be a Sunday thing as
> described in the press release.  It could be done
> on the ride but seems unlikely.

As noted, an out-on-the-line demo would eliminate - or at least drastically reduce - the chance to photograph or video this equipment with (hopefully) the peak of Fall Colors as a background.

> However maybe at a later date, future charter,
> {do} just do that. Take OP or OB out and do
> some work.   And again, not my idea but an
> idea from John Bush.   Wouldn't that make
> unique photo and video opportunities?

AMEN, Joe!   NOW you've got it!!   Fall Colors ALONE, with a chance just to photo/video the equipment out on the line, will attract more than enough fans to fill the October 3rd train.   And next year - during one of the slower parts of the C&TS season, maybe in June or mid-August, The Friends should offer exactly what you propose - a chance to see OB doing some REAL work - such as driving some telegraphone poles into the ground just east of Osier.  You just need to coordinate it with one of the Friends work sessions!   (Johnny Coal, Are you listening?)    

> With a cook car and mess hall table, very easily
> everyone could dine on-board after loading food
> up at Osier.   Things are still being arranged with
> the Osier kitchen.  Stephen Flowers and the Osier
> staff cook so many things well.

DOUBLE AMEN to that, Joe!!

> Stephen is from Arkansas IIRC and has a knack
> for southern food.  Any thoughts on that?  BTW,
> THE thing to try at Osier is the bread pudding.
> I usually hate the stuff.  The bread pudding at
> Osier is easily the best anywhere.  Almost like
> eating a cinnamon roll with a lot of glaze.
> Crisp, sweet, moist and plenty of cinnamon.
> Perfect!


Hard to argue with that, Joe -

But be VERY sure that there is PLENTY of Triple Chocolate Cake on board, just to keep Roger Wigwam under control!

- Roosso