Jason - you bring up some very valid questions and very valid points about the stabilization of D&RGW 1423. Some that I do agree with. But I feel that our opinions differ from there on out, specifically with regards to what the museum is turning into, what you referred to as "a for profit special even(t) venue whose goal is to get as many people as possible to as many wine tastings as it can hold."
I can't claim to know the inner workings of the CRRM, I'm just a member and a donor when available, and a person who enjoys taking pictures of the steam, the cars, and the restoration of the equipment. But I believe that to still enjoy these very things these events need to take place. Why? These events get people out to the museum that would not normally come out and see what is going on or what the museum has to offer. These are the people that come out and buy items, that come out and experience what these events have to offer, and tell their friends about how great or amazing these things are. It is the casual observer, not the diehard historian (In my opinion) that will keep the museum (or any museum for that matter) open. They spend the money, buy the trinkets, and generally pay for the amazing restoration that is able to happen.
I'd like to give you a comparison. The museum that I will speak of is in the midwest, of which I have more of an idea what is going on through friends. I spent a great deal of time there while going through college and still try to venture back to work on the equipment once a year. This museum isn't railroad related, but aircraft related (my other passion).
This museum moved to a new facility years ago and things were looking very bright. Great location to a major interstate, great pieces of history, and a great tie to that history very close by. The museum had lots of great things going for it. Fast forward 10-15 years. The museum is still there, more aircraft have been restored, but a sad thing developed. Lack of funds. The latest recession hit (whatever they call it, Great Recession?). Donations started to dry up, attendance started to wane back, and it was becoming harder to keep the lights on. Hours were rolled back in attempts to save money. An idea came in to try something new....to try some events, anything to get more $$$ rolling in. There had always been some events at this museum (roll out parties for the aircraft or parties for the donors when times were good) but a new philosophy needed to be rolled out. So what they did is started to do 'sleep overs'. Come and sleep in the belly of a cargo plane! They also did wedding receptions (have your wedding event at the museum!). They did events for school kids, to get them interested in math, science, and aviation. This did something that the museum needed, got people out there that normally wouldn't come out. School kids...scout troops...wedding parties. All coming to a museum, enjoying themselves, and telling their friends and families about it.
Now, the museum is still there. It's getting a little easier to keep the lights on. (Some might say because of the economy, and it could be. Probably could be a discussion much later on and be much longer). More people are visiting, and enjoying these pieces of history...so the restoration can continue and the education can continue. Who knows if tough times are still ahead (but my guess is yes), but the museum is still rolling on, with new interest (in much younger generations I might add.
So yes...these events may may do something other than the mission statement for the museum. But they ARE doing things such as (at least from my perspective):
-Getting more people out to the museum, people who wouldn't normally come.
-Getting more $$$ to the museum, to help with projects and allowing things to be restored that may not have been touched for years (RGS 20, 491, Uintah car, C&S car, etc)
-Getting more membership to the museum
-Getting a younger generation interested in trains and hopefully Colorado trains.
(It seems to me that the last point works hand in hand with the museum's mission statement as well).
Some may see the events as a hinderance to the museum. I know that I have heard as much from some folks. But I see them as a tool to gain more funds, and to also gain new, interested young people. Those are ones that may just be the people working on this equipment in the future, for the next generation to see. Without them...I see this hobby and interest of ours...slowly going away.
Just my 20 cents worth (My ramblings are more then 2 cents I'd guess. hehehe). I'm sure this will piss off some people and it will enrage others...but you can't please everyone I guess.
Jason - I hope you don't take this as an attack. I really value your opinion and have enjoyed your writings for quite some time now. I just felt it was necessary to point out another view point.
On a side note....some things that we have seen because of those Thomas events or the Polar Express events:
-A running 491! That is so huge! The only of it's kind.
-Restored Flats (that are being used as open air rider cars) - Not something we have seen in a while
-I'm sure a good chunk of $$$ went towards RGS 20 (which I personally can't WAIT to see back in Colorado).
- and the list goes on and on.
Another note -
Wine events are mentioned a lot. I usually keep up on those (because that's the only way I can get my lovely wife to come with me to the museum..heheheheh). I wasn't aware of any being done for quite some time.
OK...flame away! (dawning my fire proof suit).
Craig
Somewhere up in NoCo
