Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

This just popped in my head but I thought I would ask it. Could or would, SF ever offer a behind the scenes look for guests, who pay for the privelage, of course, the chance to tour the locomotives and the garage? I figure it would be a chance at a little money maker and an opportunity for guests to experience the park in a different way. It would be just like Disney's behind the steam tour. Could something like this work or are there variables that just couldn't make that work?

Thanks

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

That'd be a good idea if the facilities were something the park would be proud to show guests, but there's not much to the roundhouse, it's pretty decrepit and dirty. If they would build a new building and spiff up the work area to look presentable to guests that might actually be a viable enterprise. It might be fun to watch how the train is fired up in the morning if you've never seen it... but the reality isn't nearly as interesting as one might imagine.

I can tell you that more guests were interested in the engine than any other aspect of the park - if management would put some thought and a bit of expense into it, that could be a money maker.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

A few years back, you could buy some sort of VIP package that took you on a "backstage" tour of the park..

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Eeegh!!! That must have been a let down.

"Over here we have our mens and women's dressing rooms, now before we go in is everyone up to date on their tetanus shots? Over here we have our canteen, our employees can order from our generous four-item menu; don't worry we won't be eating here. This right here is one of our many state of the art trash receptical compacting units, they make taking out the trash fun and exciting....oh and that smell you smell, is the smell of themepark success."

I kid I kid...:beat:

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

I agree it would be a great idea if they put a bit of money in it. Right now if the termites stop holding hands the roundhouse is coming down:D

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

HAHA!

So it's even worse than it was in 1996? Ouch.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Back when I was there at Rapids they did the VIP tours. Sucked too. Anytime they walked up we had to let em on first, there own boat, treat them nice(yea right!).. Merv was always there with them so I had to act nice...

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

They still do VIP tours.
In addition to the tour, you get to walk onto any ride without waiting.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Hill. Larious.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

SFOT definitely has the elements to make a great tour: live steam, great history and back story. All you need is a great storyteller. The one thing it's lacking that makes the Disney tour so great is the lack of an impressive roundhouse. That is what is so cool about the Disney tour to me.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Exactly.

I'll do the job for the same pay I get now. Which isn't a lot.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Hey, that be awesome to have a tour! If they give that tour a green light, then they can make a lil extra money on the side. But first and foremost...remodel the Roundhouse, paint it up, what's old, replace if needed, what's broken fix it etc.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

I have to agree with Stroop here.....not much worth seeing!

But I am curious.....does anyone know if Porky Pig is still hanging on the outside of the roundhouse??

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Yep he is there, saw him Saturday night.

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

Hard to believe after all these years he is still there......have they repainted him??

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

I don't think he has ever been repainted, he's held up good because he's kind of protected from the sun and elements on the side there. I think they've only repainted the roundhouse maybe once in the last 20 years and that was without scrapping off the old paint or fixing the dry rot. I've always wondered how that building is still standing or hasn't been damaged by a fire. I would have thought a relight would have sparked off some of the diesel, soot or oil soaked timbers by now. I saw a newbie fireman set the door ablaze once my letting fuel drop on the floor.:jeez:

Re: Could SFOT offer a Steam tour?
 

And to think most people think he was put there by the sign department!!