Jack, I think you and I are on pretty much the same page with most of what you post. I hate to appear thin skinned, but what prompted the remark about tourist railroads being run safely by volunteers? The appology does nothing to nulify the statement. In addtion to the SVRy, and Heber Valley, the Nevada Northern also operates with volunteers. I am sure there are others. At SVRy we are certainly proud of our record of safe operation, and our crews though all volunteers are proud of their proffesionalism. It would be inappropriate to consider our crew members that have worked their way up the training ladder into the cab, any thing but proffessional. For most of them it is more of a second career than a meer hobby. If you had any doubts as to our safe operation with volunteers, I am sure we have no problem with you contacting the FRA inspectors that look at our operation to be reassured we operate in a very safe manner.
In terms of operating the loop (I've never been there) or any other 6-7 day a week operation with volunteers, the logisitics of having sufficient volunteer crew members available for a 6 month season would likely be a problem. This is just personal opinion and observation from our own operation at SVRy.
j.b.bane assis. op. mgr. and procurement off. SVRy.