rod Wrote:
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> First let me refocus my purpose of this thread to
> try to tease out the who, what and why of the
> “time capsule” responsibilities and actions
> for the C&TS. I think the time capsule analogy may
> not be such an accurate representation of what is
> going on. A time capsule is generally buried
> underground and then retrieved at some future
> point in time and the contents are then revealed.
> What we have here is a real working RR that
> operates using some of the historic equipment/
> facilities all the while (simultaneously)
> undergoing restoration and being integral to the
> experiential attraction of a National Historic
> place.
>
> The yard area in Chama especially the area around
> the coaling and sand towers is “mecca” to the
> narrow gauge faithful. Given this status IMHO
> certain respect and rules should apply to this
> scene (and other locations potentially as well)
> not unlike what might be part of an attraction at
> a Disney theme park. Here are a few examples of
> the types of things that distract or could be
> enhanced to reflect the time machine/ capsule view
> (see thread photos):
>
> 1. Spot a drop bottom gondola with a load of coal
> (could have a false bottom) on the coal tower
> loading ramp
> 2. Replace the dry stacked stones (retaining wall)
> on the embankment of the ramp track
> 3. Remove the “temporary” water fill frame
> used when the water tank was being rebuilt
> 4. Re-position the outhouse next to the warehouse
> (Friends wood shop) to the rear of the building
> perhaps near the storage rack installed there
> recently
> 5. Stop using the gray mainline ballast in the
> yard and return to cinder (black) ballast
> 6. When tarping loads and materials use brown tarp
> material vs. blue or white tarps
> 7. Position storage containers and trailers out of
> the viewscape or if this is not possible paint or
> otherwise make them blend in with the background
> 8. Don’t allow RVs or other non RR vehicles to
> park or overnight in the viewscape
> 9. Move tie storage to another area of the yard
> 10. Consider whether conductor/ brakeman on
> passenger trains should be in dress uniforms
>
> What other ideas from reviewing photos and
> historical precedent can others suggest that would
> improve the time machine?
>
> Rod Jensen
>
> [attachment 38196 08-22-15Train216NCam-M.jpg]
>
> [attachment 38197
> nomination_110_20100517_1820316409.jpg]
>
> [attachment 38198 Train21509-14-14-M.jpg]
Your suggestions Rod have merit and i have to agree with a few, I would like to see one of the DB gons that is a long way off rebuilding spotted on the coal tower road and that pesky temporary water tower removed. But I think we have to be mindful that where we see the C&TS as a living museum and a time capsule it is also a working railroad which we can't lose sight off, we don't want to encumber the railroad with hurdles that create more work or use up valuable work time which ultimately costs money.
For example, the tie stacks, it would be great for a few photographers if they were somewhere else out of the way, but then the railroad would have to use valuable time to drive the tractor down to the other end of the yard and crews to spot flats down there to load them. The gon idea is great but will it create public liability issues because people would have difficulty walking around them up there, will that become a slippery slope that may cause huge issues (pun intended), I don't see the RV's and campers being a problem, perhaps phraudo-graph days in the yard can be organised and all those campers, cars and tie bundles moved out of the way for the day.
For the railroad to do its job properly and economically so we can enjoy it for years to come, they have to be able to use modern techniques, equipment and ideas, we can't stand in that way.
My first visit to Chama left a lasting impression on my mind, that working railroad feel where you walk and touch was unbelievable, I love the place and what it is doing.
Wayne from Oz
