Re: Short Runs - and accomodate us Foamers?

Hi, Greg -
Great (?) minds think alike. I too have been thinking that "short" trips to Cumbres & back from Chama, and Big Horn & back from Antonito, could be viable, especially if at least one run-by were included - which the shortened run-time would certainly allow.
Run-bys would be especially important on the trips from Antonito, as something is needed to compensate for the scenery being somewhat less spectacular on the east end; I still remember a great run-by at the Whiplash on a westbound special in 1960. Perhaps a path could be developed starting a little way above the short trestle that would allow hardier folks to shoot from an overlook on the hill and then hike up to meet the train on the top level. *
If a short train were also run on the day that a full-length trip is run, and if the short run preceded the "long" trip, perhaps photographers could be dropped off at remote locations, such as Hamilton's Point and Coxo Curve on the west end, or Lava Tank and Whiplash on the east end, and then picked up by the returning "short" train in much the same way that fishermen and hikers are dropped off and picked up by the D&SNG.
Something like an oversized Goose could be used to give the short trips some variety and lessen expenses. (Maybe lease the railbus from the D&SNG, or find something similar and refurbish it?) This might be best for the "drop-off" trains mentioned above, running on the same day as a "long" train, and use a steamer for the short trips on the days when full-length trips are not offered.
Where there's a Will, there's a Way ...
- Russo de los Locos
* To liven things up for the flatland touristers, a cowboy or two driving several head of cattle could "just happen" to be in the background as well, while hidden loudspeakers broadcast the theme music from 'Rawhide', 'Bonanza', or - best of all - 'The Magnificent Seven' . . . " />