Greg Scholl Wrote:
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> The solution to the problem would be to get OM in
> service, and run two events. One Rotary Chama to
> Cumbres and continue east, and the other Rotary on
> the Antonito side. The Antonito one could be the
> expensive 40-100 people (For the rich and famous
> where money is no object), and the Cumbres one for
> all to enjoy. I would pay something to see it go
> to Cumbres, but after my 2014 experience with
> elevation, and heart issues, I am out for a on and
> off the train charter! I suspect there are more
> folks here that couldn't afford a special rotary
> run than folks who could. If a demonstration is
> the goal for all to witness it needs to be out of
> Chama. I would consider trying to go for that, as
> would many others I would think.
>
> Greg
Hi Greg,
Methinks there are not enough resources (locomotives, people.....MONEY) to conduct more than one operation. Also, too much prep required. The rotary really doesn't benefit the tourist railroad, so I cannot see them reconditioning more than one.
The type of operation that makes the most sense to me is running on the east side and running a bit later than proposed. It limits the amount of equipment required to probably just the rotary and one K-36. A back-up might also need to be positioned on that side before winter sets in. The east side limits the grades and the altitudes, which is not only easier on the equipment, but also on the people working the operation and viewing it. Running a bit later removes some of the worst of the winter cold and the risk that the train will end up stranded in a snowstorm. The snow levels would also likely be lower and I will say this......watching the rotary plow 3-5 feet of snow makes for MUCH better photographs than 10-15 feet of snow. At White Pass, the first day was in ridiculously deep snow and quite frankly, all our photos showed was lots of smoke and flying snow. If you look at the album I posted, the best shots were after we passed Canadian Shed, and the snow levels were much lower. Deeper snow levels also require Caterpillar Bulldozers to support the rotary.....which explains some of the extra work trains that I mentioned. Some of my photos depict cats running ahead of the rotary, if only to shave the snow pack down and break it up a bit. Of course lastly, the east side will eliminate the chaos on Highway 17 and the freeloader issue. Flanger trains have been run in the past few years in this manner, and they were mostly successful and I think most of the participants came away happy.
To me, the primary concern about the east side as a venue is support, should something go wrong. When the road is nearby, as is the case on the 4%, railroad or medical crews could reach the rotary fleet more easily. On the east side, everything would likely have to go in via the rails, or by air. Medical services might be more available on the east side, as Alamosa is a decent size city and is fairly close. I don't know if they have any med-evac helos in Alamosa.
Obviously, the mention of a potential rotary run gets everybody's pulse going, but the devil is in the details and there are no clear-cut winning strategies.
/Kevin Madore
