Re: Friends enticements

Attending Friends sessions at railroad locations is a bit of a challenge. I attend sessions in Antonito, and my second-largest expense is gasoline to drive from Colorado Springs to Antonito and back, oh, and driving around there for things, including going to Chama if needed. For lodging I tent-camp, which isn't every one's cup of tea. In total, I count on spending about $500 to attend a weeklong session. Oh, and my Colorado fishing license...

The announced incentives, waiving registration, insurance, and lunch fees, help a good bit. Also, in Antonito, they've outfitted a bunk car for bunking, go figure, so if one doesn't mind a social sleeping situation lodging can be had for free (note: check with one of the coordinators for availability)

Having a project in Colorado Springs makes it trivial to get involved if you live nearby. The current project, D&RG baggage car #163, is housed at the Trolley Museum, about a 10min drive from my house. Every other Saturday, weather excepting (we've had a couple of cancellations this winter for snow accumulation/temperature, so a makeup session this Saturday), makes it easy-peasy to get involved. Co-locating with the museum also gets us foot traffic as museum tours get routed through the project; I've had occasion to talk with a few folk who express interest. I also have one of my granddaughter's friends who's looking at welding as a profession; when we do our next round of tie rod welding, I'm going to have her over to observe.

The next few years will be interesting regarding the participation dynamic. Personally, I'm encouraged...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/2024 01:55PM by Glenn Butcher.