http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/2008 ... 005/NEWS01

Photographer's angle in the first picture makes the coaches appear to be toppling!!!

Sloan

Interesting for a number of reasons, but mostly (to me) that they hauled 300 a trip in Comet 1 commuter cars. Certainly provides food for thought as to what the public will ride in a museum.

When I think about it; riding comet cars in 2008 is not much different the tourist riding Boonton cars on tourist trains in the 1960's on the Wilmington and Western, WK&S, or Arcade and Attica where just starting out. We are in an age when even the F-40 is now considered historic.

Might be of interest if they came to ride because they could board Comet cars. They probably would have ridden any cars provided in Santa Claus train service. Let's not make too much of it.

dave

Dave,

That was my point... Santa trumped the equipment. At the same time, these folks could have driven an hour or so to ride older stock behind steam at Phillipsburg. Is this evidence of the "Grand Canyon" theory at work - the rolling stock doesn't matter as much as the entertainment? I don't buy that in all cases, but this one seems to be in agreement what that theory.

Rob

Again, it depends on what you are selling.

Time machine VS pure entertainment? Interpretation VS storytelling? Fantasy VS historic reality?

As if we couldn't grab elements of any and mix them to create a very evocative audience experience..........

There probably are people willing to pay to experience the reality of commuting in New Jersey in 1975. Probably not enough to make it worth the cost of recreating the infrastructure including period autos, vending machines and products, tickets, correctly clothed other commuters, etc (the music is easy, and probably one of the best facets of the '70's, pre disco at least).

A '70's evening of entertainment might be easier to produce and sell as a special event.

dave