I apologize for actually talking about the magazine contents here – seems off limits somehow.
But in the latest issue of TRAINS, editor Wrinn suggests that the Grand Canyon Railway is “the ultimate in so many ways”.
I strongly disagree. Green maybe, good destination sure, but ever since Xanterra took over, it has been nothing but a big disappointment for this life long steam fan.
It would have been on my list of candidates before, but certainly not since they ended regular use of steam.
My list would include the D&S, the C&TS, the Nevada Northern and the WP&YR.
When I watch Xanterra’s video about how they saved steam by converting to vegetable oil, I get the feeling that they are actually embarrassed by, and apologetic for, what the steam locomotive stands for and its role in developing the west.
I have not seen the magazine yet, but you say that Jim Wrinn thought the GC to be the ultimate in so many ways. What were the ways?
I haven’t seen the issue yet either, so I don’t know if I can agree or disagree about his choice. I do agree with you, from what little I’ve read, about the GC dropping steam.
I have to say though, I think you’re looking at it from the railfan’s point of view. For the average tourist, most don’t care what’s pulling the train. (I wouldn’t be surprised if some couldn’t even tall the difference.) Some are there for the train ride, others just to look at the scenery.
Some are just there because the ride is part of a tour package and they don’t care at all. During their annual pledge drive, Iowa Public TV aired a program on scenic train rides. There was one part where someone was reading a newspaper, totaly ignoring what was going outside the window. It was even mentioned in the narration.
We like to ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad, in Duluth, Minnesota. It always amazes me how many people are sound asleep when the train rolls back into the station.
I often narrate our local trips out of Thendara on the Adirondack Scenic. Since what you say is ever so true, I wrap up the narration at the end of the outbound leg by saying that I’ve already told them most everything I was going to, and that on the way back, many people take to heart an advertising slogan of the NYC (which operated the line after Webb built it) - “The Water Level Route - You Can Sleep…”
And yes, people read magazines, books, knit, etc. In their defense, a lot of that type are on the train because someone else wanted to take the ride.
I’ve never ridden the Grand Canyon, so I can’t comment on that operation. And I haven’t read the article yet, so I’ll have to wait until I do to comment on it.
Having taken the trip 3 times [every grand child needs a chance to go] it’s my opinion that Xantera could care less about “green”, there goal is to make money! If they thought they could run the road on cool-aid they would as long as it is cheap. Cheap seems to be there motto at every national park where they have a contract.