Location has many aspects…
CT&S suffers from isolation, both from a major metropolitan area and from other significant tourist magnets, as well as suffering from competition from D&S… Beyond the readers of this forum, I suspect that most tourists will choose either one or the other, not both. It is important to remember that one of the reasons that the states created the C&TS was to support economic development in the area. To some extent that has happened, particularly in Chama, with motels and other tourist activities.
I note that the Nevada Northern is probably the worst located historic/tourist railroad in the world… Located on what Life Magazine named the “Loneliest Road” (Hwy 50)… If you head south from Ely you will pass a sign saying “Next Gas 178 miles”. East Broad Top is also location handicapped, located well off the major highways.
Others have mentioned the White Pass… they may be isolated but what other location has cruise ships delivering 750,000 passengers to your front door every year (2014) The success of the White Pass as a cruise ship shore excursion has lead to the creation of the St Kitts Railroad, and was a significant part of the marketing plan for the Kauai Plantation Railroad. Similarly, “Discover Lancaster” says that Lancaster County PA sees 8.34 million visitors per year (2015) providing a significant body of guests for the Strasburg Railroad to draw from.
Others like Roaring Camp or Niles Canyon Railroad have both a major metropolitan area with significant population as well as being a region known for tourists. Being located near a major metropolitan area likely is as (or more) significant for recruiting volunteers for those of us who are volunteer staffed as providing a visitor base. I applaud the Friends of the C&TS for their formal work week program. It is a model for volunteer participation in an isolated location.
I would suggest another significant element when attracting visitors…
Authenticity… it’s a word that is frequently used in marketing, and sometimes misunderstood, but there is no question that the CT&S, East Broad Top, White Pass and Nevada Northern are authentic. Strasburg is also, but has been built up far beyond its short line roots… On the other hand Roaring Camp along with the Kauai Plantation Railroad and the St Kitts railroad are made up attractions. They thrive because of good location and marketing.
Randy
Randy Hees
Director, Nevada State Railroad Museum, Boulder City, retired
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