I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the many individuals involved in making the recent charter trains successful.
This includes both the people you see and those you don’t. Both employees and volunteers. These events occur during the regular season while we are operating regularly scheduled trains for the public.
On Wednesday for example the regular eastbound train was double headed, the Galloping Goose ran from Chama to Antonito, and a two engine westbound freight operated in addition to the regular westbound train. The freight train was split into two sections at Cumbres Pass and returned to Chama at night.
In addition to the work performed by the operating crews this was made possible by the work of:
The small section gang: who maintain and upgrade 64 miles of remote mountain railroad.
The mechanical department: who work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep 5 steam locomotives serviceable and in compliance with FRA regulations. Please remember that the youngest of these locomotives is 90 years old.
The dispatchers: who have to plan the movements, write the orders, and monitor the movement of trains whenever trains are outside yard limits.
The ticket agents: who have to make the reservations, sell the tickets, ensure that all the passengers have seats both to and from Osier, and make sure there is space on the motor coaches for their return trip to their cars.
The onboard/gift shop staff: whose job it is to make sure that all the passengers are well attended to and can get the food, beverages, and souvenirs they desire.
AND
In addition to the paid personnel mentioned there are the Friends of the C&TS who as volunteers have rebuilt the freight cars used in the charters, and the buildings along the line. The FOCTS also provide the “docents” who provide the narration for the regular trips.
Because we operate in the public space it is not possible to keep the “looki-loos” from taking pictures of our charter activities. It is up to the charter operators to set up, sell and monitor “chaser passes” if they choose to do so.
I sincerely hope that all of you will continue to show consideration for the many people who make this possible.
I hope you will contribute to the charter operators without whom the charters will not occur.
I hope you will be considerate of the wishes of those paid to take pictures.
Above all I hope you will take some time to enjoy the experience with the camera of your mind and marvel at the fact that here in the 21st century we can still witness 19th century railroading.
Your passion, dollars, and continued support are what keeps this all from becoming just another jeep road.
John Bush
