For as long as I can remember, I have always assumed that one of the C&TS's strengths was its authenticity. Durango and the D&S was the glitzy narrow gauge destination, Chama and the C&TS offered a more down to earth "authentic" old west experience. It certainly was a kind of product differentiation. Whether there's a competitive advantage there for Chama or not, I don't know. Guess it depends on how many folks prefer the down to earth thing.
But I see that dynamic changing. With the C&TS' bright red cars and now a wedding chapel caboose, the C&TS is beginning to look more like the glitzy train ride. But its Chama and Antonito bases are anything by glitzy. I see the train and the towns going in two different directions.
In Durango the D&S seems to be embracing its heritage, with things like the Silver Vista, and Bumblebee paint scheme, and a Maroon paint scheme on its first class cars that is much more in keeping with railroad paint schemes in general, and the DRG's pre-WWI maroon scheme. Even the Grande Gold cars have at a lot of DRGW precedent.
There are also some interesting trends within the railfan community. While Chama Steam appeals to some of the railfan crowd, a significant portion of the railfan photographers (especially those willing to pay the big bucks for authenticity) have migrated to the specials being run on the D&S, because the D&S folks seem more interested in running "authentic" charters (and charging big bucks for the privilege). It looks as if they will even paint some coaches green from the upcoming runs with the 315. Railfans are not going to be the financial backbone of either railroad, but they can provide significant revenue on the margin, which often disproportionately can help the bottom line.
Not sure where all this is going or should go. My opinions are suspect because I'm a railfan and old enough to be influenced by excessive amounts of nostalgia. And worst of all I'm one of those damn photographers.
But in my view, for what it's worth, if and when the C&TS does do some planning and looking at these issues systematically, it would do well to embrace its role as a living museum, try to do that well, and market the heck out of it.
I think now I will slink off and try to find an asbestos suit.
JBW
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 08/21/2007 06:07PM by John West.
