I was on board the extra to Whitefield on Sunday. For the most part, the experience, as usual, was enjoyable. However, for an extra during Railfan Weekend, the lack of a photo runby for those of us who paid, at minimum, $84, was interesting. There was even a car on the train with Mass Bay RRE guests/members on board, whose fantrips they organize are noted for well-orchestrated runbys. To see all the "freeloaders" get their perfect shot again and again and again (at each major spot along the line) and leave us patrons with nothing is kind of disheartening. We couldn't even get a descent shot of the steamer at North Conway due to its location north of the parking lot crossing.
We had quite the long stop at the end of CSRX operated track in Whitefield, for 20 minutes. Then backed up violently a bit, then pulled forward a couple carlengths for another substantial stop, before returning south. Later, I found out it was a photo opp for the crew. Kudos to the crew, indeed, (as a steam locomotive employee now, I know what they go through so that is well deserved), but couldn't we have gotten off as well?