Re: Friends Charter Flyer

Bill M. Wrote:
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>I have been told that one reason the Friends and the
> C&TS no longer issue Chaser passes is that they
> are worried about liability issues— Very
> understandable.

I can understand it too. Charters which are widely advertised and which run on the 4% can really generate unsafe situations on Highway 17. I rode one of Jay's charters a few years back, and about the time we reached Lobo Lodge, it was pure bedlam on the highway below. The DRHS support vehicle for 315 was trying to make it up to Cumbres and had a heck of a time getting through the traffic jam. I can certainly see why neither the railroad nor the Friends would want any part of sanctioning that circus.

John West Wrote:
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> But if you buy a ticket you know you are paying a fair
> share, and it helps the operators get past the
> breakeven, go-no go point.

And this is a point that is lost on at least some of the chase crowd. If the charter operator can't get enough folks who think it is worth it to pay $800-$1000 for the privilege of photographing the special train, the trip won't make the break-even point.....and there won't be any train to photograph. Those of us who pay those prices are not paying for a train ride. We're paying for photography opportunities. If the train just happens to get us to those opportunities and we don't have to spend the day driving rough roads or beating the stuffing out of our vehicles, that's a great side benefit.

There is also something to be said for the camaraderie associated with doing these charters with a couple of dozen like-minded folks. A lot of us know each other. We cross paths numerous times each year and we enjoy the company.....or at least, I do.

/Kevin Madore