Re: Rick's right folks!

Mike Allen is right on about the safety issue. Having just returned from a very productive "D" session with the "Friends", the "No cab rides, period" policy is alive and enforced. Safety is the main reason as the GM and CMO cited a couple of instances when "Friends" members apparently had cases of brain fade; lapses of good common sense and safety awareness. As membership expands and the railroad attracts more visitors, the careful balance of safety (read: liability)and the open yard policy comes into play. One of the things that sets the C&TS apart from the D&S is the ability to wander (or use the excellent, new self guided tour) throughout the Chama and Antonito yard areas. The combination of unattentive children and adults roaming the Chama yard while a "Junior Engineer" is at the throttle is a scenario worthy of your worst nightmare. As much as we'd all like to be "Casey Jones for a day", I believe the risk factors far outweigh any benefits, monetary or otherwise.