Just received the most recent issue of the Colorado Timetable yesterday. Was reading the explanation of CHS's RFP for the GLRR. If I was a businessman or entrepreneur (and by any means I'm not) I would not touch this proposed "management position" of the railroad with a ten foot stick. The way CHS has set it up would make even the most optimistic and outgoing potential operator think about what they might be getting themselves into.
First, I would think that anyone interested in operating the railroad would be interested in making a profit for themselves. Well, with the expenses that need to be paid for up front, including liability insurance ($10 million worth?!), transportation of rolling stock to the site, starting capital to bring in employees, set-up ticketing, etc., there is no way they would see a profit after the first season, and probably not until much later.
Second, what is this about CHS having the right to "disapprove" of any locomotives or rolling stock that the operator might want to use if it doesn't fit what THEY (CHS) wants (our way or the highway, right?!) If I were a potential operator, I wouldn't want to pay big bucks to transport my equipment to the site, only to have CHS tell me I can't run it or even display it!
Also, CHS stipulates that any track on which locomotives or rolling stock are to be exibited is to be constructed without tie plates "as narrow gauge railroad track was often laid on ties without the use of tie plates"
When CHS is sued for having a displayed locomotive fall over onto five people after their "historically accruate" track construction fails and comes crashing down, I am going to sit back and laugh my a** off.
Anyone else find this futile attempt to find a new operator funny?
Note to CHS, if you are reading this, STOP MAKING A BIGGER ASS OF YOURSELVES, SUCK IT UP, AND PATCH THINGS WITH THE CURRENT OPERATOR, WHICH IN REALITY IS YOUR ONLY OPTION FOR A CONTINUED, SUCCESSFUL, LONG-TERM OPERATION!!!!
Of course, all of this B.S. in the RFP is based upon one, small, but yet extremely crusial piece of the puzzle...THERE HAS TO BE SOMEONE WILLING AND ABLE TO ACTUALLY PULL THIS OFF IN LESS THAN HALF A YEAR'S TIME, AND STILL MAKE SOME MONEY!!!!
Okay, I will now step down off my soapbox and return to my normal, foamer self.
I think I better go watch a video of #40 before I blow something...
Shane
