[Date Prev][Date Next] [Chronological] [Thread] [Top]

Re: (erielack) Steamtown 10th Anniversary

Considering that the CP ex DLW line is much busier now than when they ran 
the excursions years ago, it was a most generous offer on CP's part. I rode 
that train a couple of times in the early 90s, and it was quite a trip. Just 
think: you get a tunnel of significant length, a ride over the world's 
largest steel reinforced concrete structure(and an engineering landmark), 
with a stunning view to boot, and also over Martins Creek Viaduct, which is 
a sizable bridge in its own right, and on a high speed main line. The 
opportunity to teach the public about the importance and significance of 
these engineering accomplishments while they experience them first hand is 
unparalleled. I realize Steamtown has their problems, some of which are 
political and unrelated to operating trains other than making such a thing a 
challenge, but I think they were nuts to pass on that invitation. I will 
miss the chance to get another trip on the Cutoff.

Tom B
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Charles_Walsh_@_Berlex.com>
To: "Ken Clark" <portlandturn_@_yahoo.com>
Cc: <erielack_@_lists.railfan.net>; <erielack-owner@lists.elhts.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: (erielack) Steamtown 10th Anniversary


>
> Ken,
>
> I'll agree about it being sad, but I'm not convinced that NPS doesn't like
> it that way.  When they had the minor derailment at Water Gap two years
> ago, it seemed as though it was the last straw for them.  But even before
> that, they didn't really seem to know what to do with an operational
> railroad and I think they really want a static museum instead...and for 
> all
> intents and purposes it looks like they're going to get their wish.  One
> additional note of condemnation...as noted in TRAINS last month, CP Rail
> has said it was OK for Steamtown to run over Nicholson Viaduct, but
> Steamtown has not taken CP up on the offer.  How many operating railroads
> can you name that would KILL to run a train over that bridge as a part of
> their regular excursion, not to mention on the Nicholson Cut-Off?  Of
> course, when Steamtown DID run over Nicholson it experienced record
> patronage.  Which only adds to my suspicion that NPS isn't the least bit
> interested in running the trains.  Or they're just a bunch of idiots...or
> both.
>
> Chuck



	The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List
	Sponsored by the ELH&TS
	http://www.elhts.org

------------------------------