I figured that the shop myth was false. It just made no sence. What about the round house?

The genius of Strasburg is the ability to not only give people something to do while they are waiting, but to take their money in the process. When I visit I admire the steam engines and the coach fleet, but also the sheer number of points of sale. Look around and count the cash registers. It all contributes to keeping the wheels turning and the whistle blowing, and it's done with a reasonable effort at visual harmony. And it works; after buying a train ticket and a shop tour, I seldom can get away without spending $100 in the book store.

Alan Maples

I congratulate everyone associate with the Strasburg operation for running what I consider to be far and away the best operation in the industry by a country mile!!!
The first rule of selling is "sell 'em what they want to buy"!!! In todays HIGHLY competitive entertainment world ,just a "choo-choo" ride is not nearly enough to bring the kind of numbers Strasburg is able to generate and not nearly enough to encourage a return visit. From my perspective I think they've done a class job of intergrating those other "fun things" into the overall visitor experience in such a way as to enhance the trains role not detract from it.
And for me the key ingredient is consistency. Every time I've visited the place has been spotless clean (including the rest rooms), the grounds immaculate, the staff both freindly AND knowledgeable, and the equipment absolutely gorgeous. Oh yes, and the schedule maintained TO THE MINUTE!!! How fortunate we are as an industry to have one property that all others can strive to equal!!
I certainly hope they continue to prosper and that others will use their success as a model and work hard to emulate them.
IMHO-Ross Rowland

To answer Eric's question, we hope to build a roundhouse and put in turntables, but that all depends on finances.
That being said, if you guys come out and ride the Cranky Cars (don't hit you jaw with your knees) a few times, maybe we can start moving some earth!

Rick

I seldom can get away without spending $100 in the book store.

Alan Maples[/quote]

Alan, you're just not cheap enough, ahahaha <g>. (Takes one cheap railroader to know.)

Seriously though, from having been at the little informal RYPN gathering last Sunday there, I have to agree that they do maximize buying opportunities. I also agree that the place is really, really clean, and they have people walking around cleaning up. Sort of reminded me of a place like Cedar Point in terms of neatness. One thing they have that CP doesn't is some shaded parking, and that was really appreciated last weekend.

Well Paul, they did it again, I stopped by Strasburg yesterday and the Rail Road successfully removed over $200 from my wallet. All for the good in the name of steam railroad preservation. A dining car ticket, lunch in the dining car, shop tour (well done, Steve), a what-the-heck-I'm-already-here ride on the President's car, and of course the book store. Strasburg was enjoying a near perfect peak summer Saturday, with blue skies, comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and mobs of people. My only complaint - I was having such a good time that I couldn't pry myself away to get to Williams Grove in the afternoon.

Alan Maples

.