HighCommander Wrote:
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> Jeff,
> I suggested James should lighten up. My response
> was to him saying the RGS was not important. I
> said that was heresy and he would be voted out of
> the Otto Mears Fan Club. That was BS and should
> have been taken as BS.The long explanation of what
> work had been performed on 20 at the Museum was to
> counter what I perceived as being said that the 20
> had sat outside for decades (no work had been done
> to it over that period of time) that was a serious
> post.
> It is difficult to realize what a gem the RGS was.
> Especially if you had not gotten up close and
> personal with it.
> Like John Bush I spent a lot of time in RGS
> territory. I had a summer place on the west bluff
> overlooking Trout Lake. Next to Karl Schaeffers'
> folks RGS coach 0252 and the old Matterhorn
> section house. Many years spent hiking and driving
> the old grades between Rico and Ridgway. I gained
> a great respect and interest from how and where
> the RGS operated, and the RGS was built in 1891.
> At the CRRM I was involved in restoration & upkeep
> of RGS 20, bringing Geese 2,6,& 7 back to
> operating condition and even operating No.2 from
> Durango to Silverton and back in 2000 and 2001.
> Helped do a total restoration on RGS business car
> RIco. This gives the RGS top billing in my
> estimation. It was stated the RGS was not the NYC.
> It sure wasn't. The NYC was a great railroad, but
> it pales in comparison to the RGS. The total
> improbability of the railroad, where it ran, how
> it survived for 60 years and the scenery alone
> makes it stand out.
> I do respect other peoples opinions, but that
> doesn't mean I can't comment (not jumping) on
> their opinions. After all, this is the Narrow
> Gauge Discussion Forum. This was a serious post.
> I'll try to put more BS in my next post.
> Bill
At CRRM we refer to Bill and a few other unenlightened souls as Unreconstructed RGS Fans, whereas True Believers are those devoted to The Old South Park. We have little hope that Bill will see the light, but miracles do happen.
Paul
