Hi Kerry Ann.
My Name is Phil Reader.
I am a steam locomotive Engineer / mechanic for the Georgetown loop railroad. I have been in engine service for over 25 years mostly on mountain narrow gauge lines or short lines.
You have asked what will happen to us at the end of the season. I really do not know. I Can say though that I truly wish that this whole mess can be resolved for the benifit of all sides involved.
This issue has the potential of being an economic disaster for the whole county. Yes our jobs are on the line as well.
Speaking for myself I can truly state that I can not work for the C.H.S.or any another operator on this line exept for the Ashbys.
Lindsey and Rosa have been very kind a to me over the last 12 years and I will not betray that trust. It has been my pleasue working for this company . It is truly one of the most friendly and a professional tourist lines in the country.
Not that I would like to leave My wife and I like it here in Clear Creek County, but if we have to we will move.
I have stated before that I will help move all of the equipment off the property if nessasary. Then what?
I am one of the lucy ones. Already I have had several job offers in my field from all over the country. Three from California, One from Washington State, and one from Florida so I have options I can fall back on .
Can the C.H.S. do what they say they can ? logisticly speaking I really do no not think it is possable to be them to be ready by the start of the 2005 season. Running a railroad is a very expensive and time consuming venture that requires alot of skilled work from a dediecated work force.
perhaps in a few years time, The C.H.S or who ever might be able to run the railroad that meets the current levels of patrons and saftey .
Even if the C.H.S. can put a train set together for the next season, I don't think it would have the capacity to handle the voulme of passengers needed . The ridership will fall way off.
Then of course there is the issue of hiring an experianced crew . I do not see the airlines using volunteers to pilot there commercial air craft And I would be a bit concerned if the C.H.S. uses volunteers to run trains on the loop. This line is a very steep mountain railroad that requires a great deal skill to run opon. after all the you are intrusted with peoples lives.
Phil Reader
Engineer G.L.R.
