[redacted]

Great. I'll buy a ticket and I'll be there, shooting. It would be nice if there were a system whereby I could buy a ticket to support the special train, but not have it count toward filling the coach.

A nice idea. Perhaps after the 40 seats were filled, photo support tickets could be sold for something like $10. Pass out a "badge" to the photographers so that they could be identified as supporting the special train.

Les

I hate to correct someone, but I don't think this is the first time they've run that combination. I know I've shot a run with a combine trailing coal hoppers, and I haven't been there for a couple Fall Specs now. Of course, the real catch is that the REAL EBT miners' trains wouldn't be crowded with foamers! I guess the $50 comes complete with a miner's overalls and hard hat required to be worn? >;-D

I like the idea of badges and had suggested shirts many times (I support the EBT... ). Couldn't be dated, you would end up having not enough, or worse, too many. Coins seem to be popular, too.

As far as a seat with out a seat - well, that's called a donation.
Perhaps someone associated with the event could make sure that patrons have an easy time finding a way to leave such. Not just a box in the corner - but a volunteer or two to suggest it, a location or two to advertise the need and appreciation and a small token of thanks would be a definate plus - even if it's just a candy bar, soda or even a postcard.

As for the freight - I'm rather confused.... The point of a staged freight train is NOT to be in it, but rather, to SEE IT. The group should consider photorunbys, atleast next time around.

If I can make it to the event, I'll be looking for the donation box and a good location to shoot.

/Mitch

You're right. The point is to be outside and shoot the train. I'm good for the ticket price, but what's the real agenda?

And therein you've hit upon the big problem with the Fall Spectaculars.

They run great consists, but they're marred by decorative yellow handrails, 50-star flags on the locos, and fans crowding the open freight cars. The railroad pretty much runs things the way they've always run them.

It takes a (secret) photo charter by Franz or the like to pull off "is it then or now?" photography. That, or something like the FEBT making creative suggestions to the right folks.

My personal idea? Have the FEBT run a stand with the offer of a freight/mixed train in perfect old-time condition--flags replaced with white flags, a couple vintage-garbed passengers at best--for chasing photographers only IF enough "chaser" tickets are bought in advance @ $15 (or whatever) each.

If I read the original post correctly the idea is to ride a mixed train in a manner that creates sort of a time warp for the passenger. Though the photographers do not understand it there are those of us who would rather ride the train in a fashion that closely replicates the experience of another time than just take pictures of the train. Count me among those few who virtually never pick up a camara today and rarely look at the photos I have taken in the past. For me it is the experience and not the photo.

John Bohon

Right on, John. What I sometimes refer to as "mental videos."

Agreed. I only use photos to document work or for memory jogs anymore. Too many firsthand life experiences in the past missed while filtering them through a view finder.

dave

I'm a huge fan of the riding railfan, without the riders there would be very few excursions, however, I personally would sooner pay double the ticket price and stay off the train - aside from riding behind the 614 doing atleast 80 mph, I find my self often oblivious of the motive power being used when sitting inside a passenger car. Too much like riding SEPTA to me. There are exceptions - 4449 throught the Gorge in a dome car, or MILW 261 with open vestibules but it's still hard to be in the train watching photographers outside the train. Throw in a runby or two and I'm much more likely to ride. Better yet, charge more for the phototrain, make a profit and let us have the best of both worlds. And if not, atleast set up a booth for donations - make it so easy that those who chase can't help but feel a bit of an obligation. When was the last time anyone looked for a fireman's boot to make a donation?

[redacted]

Well, the answer seems rather obvious.... The line needs to be rebuilt South down to Robertsdale where the roads do not parallel the tracks so closely. ; )

Is the railroad going to turn a profit on the coal train, however it's organized? Probably not. If you and I share the experience of riding, or the photos we take, with others, and some other folks hear about this funny little railroad in a time warp in the middle of nowhere, maybe there's the profit.