I still in stage of making my plans to be in the area so I probably don't understand all of the logistics but, since apparently hotel, motel, B&B and RV space is somewhat limited at both ends and Friday may be an off day for maintenance, how about short runs that day which might still allow maintenance to continue.
Maybe Chama to Cumbres and/or Antonito to Osier and back with lunch at the turnaround point. (Isn't there a loop track at Osier). Maybe box lunches could be sent with the trains from either end.
I'm not sure but would a schedule say leaving at 10:00 at each end give people enough time to drive in from outlying areas such as Alamosa, before the train left.
Just trying to find a way to get some people into the towns on Friday and maybe create a little revenue for the businesses.
Another idea, try to find and lease an RGS Goose for the summer and run specials.