> Let me begin by stating that I personally
> hate PA systems on the train. That being
> said, we at Strasburg have a very good PA
> system that we use constantly.
> It has been our experience over the years
> that we get two equally vehement complaints
> periodically. One because we have the PA and
> the other if something happens and we don't
> have the PA.
> Our solution has been to talk one way and be
> quiet the other way. Designated cars does
> not work in our case.
> We did have a case when the PA went down and
> the crew compensated by going car to car. It
> was very refreshing but I am afraid it is
> not sustainable. We had to enlist the Red
> Cap to ride the train and it was pretty
> intense most of the day. Adding commentators
> to the crew could work but the cost would be
> prohibitive at this point.
> We are still thinking.
First and foremost, we who are commenting here are more than likely all railfans who go to the said railroads for the sights the sounds and the smells of steam/diesel railroading. However, we are overlooking the fact that no one can say what John or Jane Q Public really wants when he or she and the kids come to a tourist operation. I assume they want to be entertained, but not overboard (although there are the people out there who's attention span rivals the length of a ten cent phone call) and be able to relax and enjoy their experience, which is what you are asking them to do in the first place, and who want to go away with the feeling that their money was well spent and they would be returning in the very near future for another day out with the kids.
That is something I experienced many times down at W&W working in passenger service, they had and still do have many repeat customers both from regular runs as well as charters. They are a flexible operation and it has paid off for them. They don't do everything perfectly, but they try their best to remain focused on the repeat business as well as attracting new customers. They give something to the passenger that they want....customer service.
As stated in another post, WK&S is one of the best examples of a small operation, that focuses on the family first, then the history. With exception of modern cars in their parking lot, one feels trasported back to the olden days....and for the railfan, the Reading days. They to me are a minature Strasburg, without all the hype and crowds.
Strasburg is a good example of a early 1900's main terminal and a short line operation. It is a shame that they dont have more mileage for the railfans but the trip is just right for the family...which is more important!
Narration can be a major failing point for many operations. I have always loathed the narrator who sounded like a drone reading a script, one who would stumble their way through the entire trip. On the same token, an over zealous narrator can become very annoying... almost like you want to get up and smack them upside the head and say "STOP BEING SO DARN PERKY!"
I think Linn said it right when he noted that SRR has narration on the way out and quiet on the way back. That is the best way allow people to enjoy their experience. They want to know, they want to learn, but not know it all and learn it all in one 45-60 minute trip. Make them want to come back and learn some more and of course, spend some more!
ieishalle23@aol.com
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