Re: *New* Loop Site

Dead horse? Oh no! Not even close!!! I stated last year that I was going to hold the CHS's leadership accountable for ANYTHING that goes wrong! I think it's entirely apppropriate to note that the website is misleading by reason of omission!
As I understand it, they HAVE acquired Kaihalui #12 and it should be in Silver Plume by Wed. or Thurs. so they ARE fufilling their pledge! Great! More power to em (pun not intended!)
Since I'm pretty sure that somebody from the CHS or Railstar or at the very least somebody that communicates with them also reads this forum it would behoove us to point out potential pitfalls well ahead of time so that they might be corrected before they become major problems!
One of the greatest disappointments that occurs with tourists is when they come to a railroad that is supposed to be operating "steam engines" and they find out that they aren't running and that a diesel will be pulling them! (Don't even waste your time trying to deny this fact! The CHS knows this as well which is why they "pledged" to have "steam on the Loop in 2005!")
What people WILL do is cut the new operators some slack if they understand the situation! As soon as Railstar can determine how and when the #12 will be used they will need to include this on the website and I hope they will.
Unfortunately, this "error of omission" with on-line reservations doesn't leave a very good taste in the mouth. People that would book reservations this early are fans of the Loop or have been told enough about the Loop that they want to plan well in advance. Either way it is logical to expect that they are anticipating a steam engine pulling their train! Say what you want but I would advise against cavalierly taking their money without so much as a disclaimer or "caveat emptor" thrown in!
You can be excused for a great many things as long as you are forthright and completely honest with people. It will be interesting to see what the CHS will do in the coming weeks.