Annual Picnic 2010

[James Patten]

Here is the PDF for this year's annual picnic.

http://www.wwfry.org/pics/annualpicnic2010.pdf

I'd like to make it viewable but currently having trouble doing that.

Edit: Fixed the link

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Both links worked great for me and I noticed signing on that the same message can be found on the website in place of the usual picture.  Looks good and I hope I can make it for a visit.

[James Patten]

Even better is an actual picture:

[Jason M Lamontagne]

This is a general inquiry:

How many folks reading this are interested in and are planning on attending the Saturday evening special trains of the Picnic?  Please bear in mind that these two high fair, currently planned at $25, is to show support and assist with the purchase of coach 3.  Both will provide unique photo opportunities.  We're planning on giving these passengers a small print of coach 3 as a keepsake, and wanted to get some sense of the potential patronage. 

Thanks very much!
Jason

[Pete "Cosmo" Barrington]

Well, now that I know about it, I'll plan to make the weekend an "overnighter," and make the evening train.
(I'll raid my piggy bank for the $25.)

[Kevin Madore]

Hmmm....   I wonder if this sort of thing would appeal to the general public at that price.   Would it be better to advertise it as a photo shoot at a package price and make it a closed event?  Just guessing that the folks who are most likely to take multiple rides at that price are probably the serious photogs whose interest is in pictures vs. the train ride.

Right now at least, I am planning on coming up for at least one day and perhaps the whole weekend.  Would like to get an idea what it's all going to cost.   Later that week, I'm headed out to Durango and that's really going to break the bank.  

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Thanks for your thoughts, Kevin.  We're now thinking of boiling this down to $25 for both evening trips, which will involve photographic opportunities at Alna Center with the truck and railcar around 6:30 PM, and dusk opportunities there around 8:00 or so.  We're reducing the rate (it was $25 for each trip) because we want to encourage involvement while at the same time maintaining this as a fund-raising venture for coach 3. 

I should clarify our intent here...  We've greatly appreciated the professional-level photographs that have come from our operation in the past several years, and more so the people behind those photographers.  I'm touched that so many people have chosen our operation to see, take part in, and spread the word about, with so many options out there.  With that- we want to maintain and bolster that enthusiasm- we have no intent to try to capitalize on what we see as tremendous good will. 

Our intent with these special trains is essentially to ask our members to support the purchase of the coach, with an event focusing on coach 3 as a value-added thank you for that support.  It is indeed aimed at railfan/photographers, and we're hoping that many of the same members who join us for the picnic will stick around for the 6PM trip, and the die-hards will be interested in the dusk trip. 

As a fun aside- the railcar will not operate outside of Sheepscot yard all day until around quarter till 5PM, at which time we'll run it the full length of the line for the first time.  For fun- we're planning a silent auction throughout the day Saturday for tickets for the first 4 riders on that trip.  Subsequent trips will be run the length of the line at regular fair- all day passes will be honored. for that. 

We do appreicate feedback on everything- including these ideas.  How many folks reading this might take part?

Thanks,
Jason

[Wayne Laepple]

I think it's great that the WW&F is sponsoring such special events as this and recognizing the potential for extra income, whether directed to specific projects or added to the bottom line. Many museums and tourist lines have found that extra fare events can add considerably to the bottom line without disturbing the ambiance or historic nature of the operation. I participated in an event at a tourist railroad last weekend, and the extra dollar added to the regular fare brought in well over $1,000 additional income to the ticket window. This was accomplished with only a modest increase in required volunteers personnel, while maintaining the usual operating schedule. Instead of a three-car train, we ran five-car trains all weekend, and nearly every trip was filled.

[Ira Schreiber]

Colorado Railroad Museum initiated Galloping Goose rides every Saturday this year.
Motor #7 holds about 24 people and a $4 fare is charged for adults and $2 for kids. 3 trips around a 3/4 mile loop.
So far this year, over 4,000 riders and $11k income.
This concept was fought by the some of the BOD for several years before it was decided to give it a chance.
Resistance has melted.

[Matthew Malkiewicz]

Jason.
I will attend both days, camera in hand the entire time.
Like you said, there is many options for us steam photographers out there, quite a few an easier trek than the WW&F.
But there is something very special going on in Alna, the reason I am a life member, the reason I venture to your railroad multiple times a year.
For those reading this and have not visited the WW&F, I strongly recommend it! You will not be disappointed in any way.
My gallery of what you can expect to see:
http://mfmalk.zenfolio.com/p58527735
Enjoy,
Matthew

[Mike Fox]

I captured the Weeks Family Run on Video, and posted it to You tube to share. Just a quick 8 second video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2LObD4dmA4


I also have a longer video of a test ride I jumped onto. Stewart Rhine operating, Derrick  seated to his right, Marcel Levesque in the center seat, with Zack and myself in the rear seat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqnVKieNc4g

And lastly, a couple of Photos.

[Pete "Cosmo" Barrington]

I'm posting pics to NERAIL right now!
Got 4 so far, more to follow.
Here's the URL for the first one:

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?201008161708185963.jpg

Gonna post more after dinnah!

[Kevin Madore]

Folks,

As noted last weekend, I'm off to Durango tomorrow.  I should get a chance to postprocess some pix from the Annual Picnic when I get back next week.

For now though, here's a teaser......going for a spin with the railcar!

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=335042&nseq=0


/Kevin

[James Patten]

FYI - Between the Director's Specials and the Coach 3 donation basket, we raised over $700 to repay the Coach 3 loan during the picnic.  Many thanks to all who participated and donated!