Samart Wrote:
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> 100% to what Kevin said.
>
> If this is what is going on concerning the road
> situation, I applaud the railroad to taking the
> steps to make it something special for the
> patrons. Without the patrons...there wouldn't be
> an event going on.
>
> So Rod5nz...I hate to disagree with you, but I
> will. This is the age old debate going on for
> ever and will continue on. But as long as someone
> is forking out the $$$ for this type of event,
> THEY are the ones who receive the primary results
> from the event (ie the viewing and photos and
> videos). I you want to see it, pay for it like
> everyone else is.
>
> My 2cents worth.............
I totally understand the road controls due to safety concerns. They are just common sense IMO. They were done with some of the stream trips in the 90s-2000s at Keddie, CA. The CHP closed the road while the steam special went by so the hundreds who had parked along the road could safely cross the highway, where there is limited visibility, and get back on the highway.
The concept that only patrons, limited in number as they will be, should be the only ones allowed to experience the rotary bring up a few issues. First, I do think that those putting up the money should get the most out of an event such as the OY run. I also think that an event that will be using public roads, should have zero expectations of being private or exclusive. Anyone expecting or demanding otherwise is fooling themselves plain and simple.
This "patrons" only attitude is very similar to one that some of us are fighting in smaller local railroad related groups. If you don't do things to allow the kids\younger adults to discover or develop an interest in your group or hobby, then in the end your group will cease to exist. By demanding or expecting a more "private" event you aren't doing anything to help new people become interested in your group\hobby. In fact you are running them away and in 10 or 15 years will wonder why nobody is around that cares anymore.
I realize that the C&TS\Friends is doing some things to try to get more young adults interested. The one day ticket for the Friends trips last October allowed some younger people who may not be able to afford a full multi-day trip cost to ride a photo charter. I know there were more kids than I expected on that day trip. I overheard a few conversations bemoaning the fact that "kids" were on "their" photo train that day. I politely suggested to them that their negative attitude is why there may be fewer railroad history groups around in the future.
just my 2 cents worth...