Re: Rotary Snowplow event

Comparing the WW&F with the C&TS rotary run is a serious case of comparing apples with oranges. Both are mighty tasty but they are totally different. Like Kevin, I'm attending both events. The WW&F runs entirely with volunteer labor over a distance of a couple of miles, with equipment that is not highly stressed when operated. A group of 25 more than covers their operating costs for fuel, lubricants, the heating and lighting bill, etc.

The C&TS rotary will be run with paid crews, it required $55,000 to get it into operating shape and using it over a two day period is probably going to result in further repairs after the event is over. By constraining traffic to controlled convoys people will be free to shoot from the roadway and this will allow people to spread out enough that I don't think it will be too much of a problem to get some good shots. For those that want a smaller crowd, 75 would be $2,400 and 40 (the usual size for C&TS high end charters ) would be $4,500. This would take complaining about high prices to a new level.

For those wondering about how many would show up and chase by highway, if the passes are open, the Front Range with a large population base is only a few hours away. Ditto for the ABQ/Santa Fe area and no passes to cross. Not a difficult day trip. I would expect numbers in the low 100's which would mean at least 50 vehicles stopping in the middle of the road. Remember the shoulders are not plowed on 19 during the winter.

I expect there will be future rotary runs, but would not expect them to be much cheaper. The operating costs would be the same and instead of $55,000 to get it ready it might be $25,000. Also, given that they have had to contact close to 300 people to get to 150 tickets, how many people would sign up next year? The really serious people all jumped on it the first day, knowing it was going to be expensive. I don't think people have a real understanding of what something like this costs the railroad. It takes the shop crew out of their normal winter work on the loco fleet, probably for a matter of weeks. Engines have to be made ready earlier than normal which probably means overtime pay. After the event everything has to be winterized and work resumed.

If this happens again in the next two or three years, I would be surprised.

Michael Allen