smitty195 Wrote:
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> Bruce Kelly Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > .....and for taking the time to post
> > such a detailed explanation and schedule.....
>
> Could someone please post this information?
> Thanks.

Ok Smitty-- Here you go........

Grand Canyon Limited Update From the Sponsors

The Central Coast Railway Club (CCRC) and Trains & Travel International (T&TI), co-sponsors of the Grand Canyon Limited (GCL) provide the following information on the trip for potential passengers and interested railfans.
Some background. As originally proposed, the GCL itinerary included operations out of Phoenix. After discussions, it became apparent that we could not turn the train in Phoenix and there was no location for loading and unloading passengers that was satisfactory to BNSF and Amtrak. In the discussions, it also became apparent that there was concern about operating an 86 year old steam locomotive on the BNSF Transcon. At one point, it appeared less than 50/50 that the trip would run at all. Fortunately, we were able to reach a compromise that minimized our effect on the Transcon. This involves no overnight stop at Barstow, and stopping at division points only to service the 3751. Current plans call for no passenger stops between LAUPT and Parker.
We are now leaving LAUPT on Monday instead of Sunday because a Sunday departure would interfere with freight operations on the Arizona and California (A&C). Our schedule brings us into Parker at 9 PM. We apologize for the long day, but it can’t be helped. Following is the schedule as of today, subject to further adjustments because of traffic on the BNSF Phoenix sub.
Saturday, May 12. National Train Day display of the 3751 at LAUPT.
Sunday, May 13. Assemble and stock the train. No passenger boarding.
Monday, May 14. LAUPT to Parker, 337 miles. Lv LAUPT 9 AM, Ar Parker, AZ 9 PM
Tuesday, May 15. Parker to Williams, 256 miles. Lv Parker 9:30 AM, ar Williams 7 PM. An option is available to pick up passengers at Congress, AZ (7 miles north of Wickenberg). There will also be a bus option available from Phoenix/Wickenberg to meet the train at Congress. Bus transfers from Williams back to Congress/Wickenberg/Phoenix available.
Wednesday, May 16. Williams to Grand Canyon roundtrip, 127 miles, with the 3751 double-headed with the 4960. On return to Williams, There is an option available to stay overnight at hotels at the south rim at the canyon, returning the next day on the scheduled Grand Canyon Ry. train.
Thursday, May 17. Layover day at Williams for crew rest and servicing the train and cars. Three sightseeing options available.
Friday, May 18. Williams to Parker, 256 miles. Lv Williams 10:00 AM, Congress 2:45 PM, Ar Parker
7:30 PM. Saturday, May 19. Parker to LAUPT. Lv Parker 8 AM ar LAUPT 7 PM.

Contact T&TI about details on tours out of Williams and other optional bus connections as well as special accommodations for Pullman passengers.

The above itinerary and schedule are verbal agreements negotiated by Amtrak and the trip sponsors with the three host railroads. We do not have a contract. All of this is conditional until we have a contract in hand.

This reflects today’s realities in the steam powered excursion business. Our 15-16 car train will have one Amtrak car in the consist. The remaining cars will come from the Bay Area, Portland, Los Angeles and St. Louis. This is very expensive. We are concerned about two issues. First, we may price ourselves out of the business. Second, we are running out of destinations where we can run steam powered multi-day excursions that are acceptable to the freight railroads and that are marketable.

We hope you will join us for all, or part of the trip.

Hal Lewis

CCRC

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Courtesy of Jack Williams
Sparks, NV