I don't think is is a lack of foamers or overload. There were plenty of foamers and railfans around. I would attribute this to one of two things (or a combination of both).

The first (and most likely) reason is that there is not a lot of accessibility to the r.o.w. for the average person between Portola and Ogden. Someone needs to be pretty dedicated to chase it out in the Black Rock Desert. I think this would drive away a large contingent of railfans. When it traveled out west, it was on the SP mainline, which for the most part, parallels I-80, making it more accessible. Between Moor/Pequop and Ogden, it is really difficult to access. I thought about running out there, to Montello, until I realized I could only see it between Cobre and Tecoma. Beyond that is the Hill AFB test range and most people (myself included) don't like getting bombed. Access west of Ogden is okay, but there is a lot of construction getting in the way of chasing the train.

The second reason we are not seeing a lot of reporting on this forum is likely due to market share. I am have yet (to my dismay) seen any Altamont Press timetables sold in local (UT) hobby shops. I have to get mine while visiting in CA. I grew up in the Bay Area, so I am familiar with the great products Dave publishes.

Anyway, that was a long answer to a short question.