Milepost
212
Volume 5 Issue Number
2 - Summer 2000
Page 1
As
the saying goes, " time flies whilst having fun" ( riding
and/or restoring )! Seems to me snow was still in the air
last time this ink flowed. The Spring Issue was a large
publication on purpose. Members, new and veterans alike
needed to be brought up to speed on policies, changes, and
other important topics that we as a operational group needed
to reemphasize, across the board. All publications are based
with those foundations in mind, yet strive to look forward.
So, I welcome you to summer.
I
would like to start by sharing some information that Craig
compiled from your responses to a questionnaire sent out
earlier:
NCR
Member Survey Results
by
Craig Bluschke
Results
are in from the cost of excursions survey which was included
with the last issue of Milepost 212. Out of 117 copies mailed
out there were 22 responses, which is a 19% return rate
and somewhat disappointing considering this should be a
topic of concern to every motorcar operator. The majority
of those who responded are relatively active in the hobby,
having attended two or three of the four possible NCR-sponsored
Wisconsin and Southern excursions plus at least one, and
usually more, of the other NCR trips operated during 1998-99.
Virtually all who answered said that the Wisconsin and Southern
trips ranked high when compared to trips on other railroads,
and along with that the consensus seems to be that these
excursions are priced in the ‘about right' to ‘somewhat
more expensive' range.
Being
more specific concerning excursion pricing, 68% of those
responding said they would definitely be willing to pay
more for a "choice" trip. Using the Spring Green to Prairie
du Chien route as a specific example, 59% said they would
be willing to pay up to $125 for this exceptionally scenic
trip. First-time runs also seem to be more popular, with
41% willing to pay up to $150 for a scenic first-time run
such as Madison to Reedsburg if such a trip could be arranged
at some future date.
Quite
a number of people made additional comments which brought
up some good points, one in particular being that it's not
so much the cost of the motorcar excursion itself but the
overall cost of attending a meet that will deter people
from going. For an excursion closer to home with it's reduced
cost of motels, meals, gas, etc. a higher meet fee still
looks acceptable, and since NCR has a pretty good potential
attendee base within a few hours drive of Wisconsin that
may be why the survey indicates a willingness to spend a
bit more on the excursions themselves. Thanks to everyone
who took the time to complete the survey, it provides valuable
information to your Excursion Coordinators when planning
future excursions. For those interested, detailed results
to all questions are available under the members section
of the NCR web site (www.whrc-wi.org/ncr)
or a copy can be obtained from any of the NCR officers.
Speeders
Track Possible Final Miles at Badger Army Ammunition Plant
By Bob Schoneman
Speeders
Track Possible Final Miles at Badger Army Ammunition Plant
By Bob Schoneman Saturday, April 29th, 2000 may just be
a date to log in the back of one's mind. The 16 operators,
and their guests were treated to a view of a unique installation,
the US Army Armament Munitions Command, Olin Corporation
Plant near Baraboo, Wisconsin. As we have stated in the
past, The Department of the Army has officially retired
the Badger facility, now awaiting disposition. Last year's
motor car excursion was expected to be the last, but delays
and plant management, allowed a running time slot for North
Central Railcars.
This
track is unique not only for the facility that it traverses
in. Though considered a full fledged excursion, the 25-30
miles of track, the condition of the facility, make for
one easy, enjoyable trip. It was one of NCR's original trips,
often used for a tuning up session for cars and operators
who have rested over the winter season. I know I have found
it to be helpful in identifying some bugs or two!
I
would like to thank our ‘advance group ‘ of Pat Rock, Tom
Sharratt, Hank Brown, and Craig Bluschke, for coming in
and checking the rail on Friday, April 28. Ties had to be
respiked, ( some switch stands would move, and not the rail
when switch levers thrown! ), crossings checked, grooved;
and I suspect a branch or weed or two had to be moved out
of the right of way. It also gave us an idea what areas
the group could safely cover.
The
day started on the advertised 10:00 A.M. after a brief safety
meeting/check by Craig. The weather started out as cool
and overcast, having rained earlier ( at least it wasn't
snow! ). However, as the day wore on the sun broke out,
things warmed up and a few of us had a touch of redness
to show at day's end.
Several
slower, cautionary passes were made around the main track,
watching for track conditions, animals, and contractors
and others who had permission to be on sight. The property
is slowly being contracted out for other business use. The
plant and facility remains inactive, and is in the process
of being demolished, in areas.
Once
again the riders witnessed beautiful southern Wisconsin,
and some artifacts not present anywhere else. The narrow
gauge track is still intact, crossing the main at several
places. ( Most, if not all narrow gauge equipment was auctioned
off several years back. ) The day was spent running the
main, and whatever switchbacks that could hold us. Because
of deterioration, not all the track was passable. Latter
in the day, after a picnic style lunch, and a little more
running more time was spent looking at the facilities, a
engine and one old Army ex Diner car remains on site.
The
day was an enjoyable one by all. Some exercising skills
not used in a while, some trying to weed bugs ( literally
& figuratively ) out of their cars. Everyone enjoying the
time that they had at the possible last motorcar excursion
at Badger Munitions Plant, just outside of Baraboo, WI...
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