The title of this thread has a double meaning:
First - All the "talk" apparently has given Xanterra an incentive to bring steam back to the Grand Canyon despite the oringal call to cancel the program. Now, it's up to the railfans to supplement patronage and prove to Xanterra that steam at the Canyon is not only desired by many but also a viable and profitable endeavor.
To that end, there are two options in 2011.
First, visit the site and you'll note that steam is scheduled to run 4 weekends on 8 mile round trips and 2 special full length trips to the Canyon are listed. Consider visiting the railroad, purchase a ticket and ride or if you prefer, attempt your best chase.
Second, I'd like to announce /remind you all, if I may here on TRAINS, that Lerro Productions is sponsoring a photo charter featuring former CB&Q #4960 on a two day and one night charter on May 14th and 15th, 2011. Photo opportunities will include sunrise, sunset, night photography running both freight and passenger consists without any assistance from a diesel. If you've never been able to get a photo of the train other then at the stations or want some image under ideal conditions and lighting, now's your chance! The charter is a not-for-profit endeavor and all proceeds go towards the cost of running the charter. The railroad and crew are eager to have #4960 perform this "extra" run for 2011.
As a side note, this may be THE LAST CHANCE TO SEE 2-8-2 #4960!
The engine is due for it's 15 year inspection /rebuild. Time expires in JUNE but a waiver was issued giving the railroad until September to run her prior to a rebuild. Hopefully, above average patronage on all steam excursions throughout 2011 will provide motivation for Xanterra to restore the engine for continued operations in the future.
Initial ticket sales were great but we're a few short from calling this a definite go.
For more information, visit Lerro Productions:
http://lerroproductions.com/grandcanyoncharter.html
Thanks!
/Mitch
If I were not 10,000 miles away I certainly try very hard to show up!
Excellent video of the 4960. Pass me another order of French fries and chicken wings.
Steam moves into the new age. Wish I could go.
Tourist Railroads
TheRailroadNation
I wish I wasn't so far away either. I did get to ride behind #4960 on a number of steam trips as a kid with my parents when she was still running for CB&Q. Then a few years ago, a friend & I visited the Canyon and had her pulling our train. It was like seeing an old friend again.
The curator of the AZ RR Museum at Williams, asked me to write about my memories of riding with her and I sent it to him. At that time, they were able to pull a gondola car along and I spent many happy times riding there with Dad. Mom didn't like all the cinders raining down on her, so she stayed in the coach. We never knew what time we would return, but who cared?
We could keep to a better schedule when she started hauling her own water tender along. Before that, arrangements had to be made with local fire departments to come and fill her up.
Those were the days and I'm glad I was able to experience those trips.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.