Jerry474 Wrote:
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> I understand where Greg is coming from. He has a
> business and it depends on folks buying many
> videos. He needs to provide a large variety. The
> narrow gauge is not as popular as the UP steam,
> NW, etc.
Being in the video business has nothing to do with my opinion. I was just using that
as a reference as to what customers have said about their general likes and such. In my case
probably the NG videos do just as well for me as the others, for several reasons including I LIKE THE D&RGW NG
and have been going there for a long time, and since I have so many vintage and contemporary videos we have developed
a decent following for them. Variety is the spice of life for my business, but more importantly for my interests in Steam.
Greg has traveled the world over looking
> for steam to video. I have a mild interest in some
> of that, but not enough to put down $$$. On the
> other hand, I have purchased or been given almost
> all of his D&RGW/RGS videos.
>
None of that has a bearing on my statement on NG vs SG.
The foreign videos I have done are what got me started in the video business actually, and frankly they
do not sell well. US customers are very provincial and only buy what they know or want. But I like some of the foreign
and liking something is most of the reason I do any videos, otherwise it becomes just another job!!!
> I do have an interest in other railroads, just a
> matter of level of interest. I love the D&RGW
> standard gauge. Got a cab ride in a GP40 on
> Tennessee Pass, a cab ride in an SD9 in Grand
> Junction, rode and chased D&RGW trains until the
> SP and UP obliterated the D&RGW name.
>
> Greg thinks the D&S and C&TS would have as many
> riders if it were standard gauge. I find that hard
> to believe. There are other standard gauge tourist
> trains in Colorado and Utah and none of them do as
> well as the D&S. On occasions where the D&S has
> used a diesel on a train, I was told a lot of
> customers wanted a refund.
I know a lot of tourist ops that have never had steam, or if they did
only frequently, and the diesel works just fine...ie Grand Canyon, Verde Canyon,
Georgetown Loop, Napa Valley Wine Train, and so forth.
Just to put a ribbon around this whole thing, I feel being NG is not the only factor in why
things are popular and survived. If I were looking to move I would consider along the D&S or C&TS,
just like I thought about college in the 60's out there(but stayed in Ohio). The two railroads are among
my favorite places that I have enjoyed for a long time, and I feel if there are steam havens in the US, these
are probably the best for lots of reasons...historic, steam, scenery, and more. So basically we are all on the
same page, as I am not knocking them by any means, nor anyone's preferences. Enjoy the area while you
can since you have found your dream location for many people.
Greg
