Yes, that's true, Jack...
Railfans don't pay the bills, but Railfans provide volunteer labor when it is needed. BUT Railfans can clue in the management about "Gettable" rolling stock (like the recently destroyed stuff in Longmont). Railfans may not have the knowledge, but know where they can find the information on little things, like laws and regulations; some know about maintenance of Rolling Stock; some are even Federally Licensed Locomotive Engineers. Many Railfans also are conversant with what it takes to keep a Railroad going, like maintanance of way or the other "dirty" jobs that the CHS hirearchy doesnt' like to think about
No, If a Tourist line had to rely on Railfan Revenue, it would surely falter and die.
That being said, for the CHS to go it alone is not only trying to re-invent the wheel but trying to reinvent the rock to make it out of.... and all in less than 5 months from takeover.
There's Two and 1/2 months left till the traditional Memorial Day opening. They'll miss it. In fact, I'll be suprised to see anything under steam before the 4th of July, if at all this year.
Beware Jack, if the CHS misses this seasons opening and the service is spotty and unreliable, by next season they will have to start trying to attract tourists from Ground Zero, because word will spread and the tourists will stay away in droves. People talk and they talk about the bad things much louder than the good.
But who cares? It's just affects the livelihood of two cities and a county. After all, the CHS has it now, and they have said in so many words that they can do no wrong.
Not Loop Poop; CHS BS.
Rick
