Re: SP 4449 to Wishram
Author: Fortunate Foamer
Date: 07-07-2011 - 20:57
Juppo Wrote:
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> Personally, I think the operators of the 4449 are
> wasting their time and money doing so many damn
> Amtrak runs in Washington. I've lost count of
> how many have occurred in the last few years.
> I know a lot of people, myself included who are
> sick and tired of seeing the same damn digital
> 4449 pics with all Amtrak equipment at Vader,
> Washington.
>
> I think if the 4449 only did one or two runs every
> 5 years or so, the demand would be higher and the
> costs cheaper. If you really want to score some
> interest and donations from photographers, start
> planning a trip to CALIFORNIA and leave your
> Amtrak garbage in the trash. I bet you would
> have no trouble garnering new interest and PLENTY
> of donations if you planned a California tour well
> in advance WITH DAYLIGHT EQUIPMENT ONLY. Ask for
> extra donations to cover the insurance costs and
> sit down and negotiate wit UP. Develop better
> public relations and make this happen. Stop
> playing games.
>
> You have no idea how many "foamers" who would
> otherwise be happy to donate just sit and laugh
> every time the 4449/P42 combo trundles up and down
> the Northwest. As the Irish say, cop on.
Your comments are really over the top.
Everything I've read about steam excursions on UP lines says that UP will not allow an excursion using a non-UP steam locomotive over its lines. Can you point me to a reference indicating otherwise?
Maybe BNSF lines could be used, but that would be complicated. Keep in mind that the 3751 group finds it difficult to operate its locomotive on BNSF lines in CA.
It's nice that 4449 operates so often in the Pacific Northwest that you have a jaded attitude. There is no mainline steam where I live in Western Pennsylvania. I traveled across the country to ride the Stampede Pass trip. While the Wishram trips have been operated several times before, the Stampede Pass trip was not so common and I was very much appreciative of the opportunity to ride it.