C&TS work trains....or lack thereof

Several inquiries have come in wondering about work trains. Ed and I kicked this around at lunch today. Right now it is not at all clear about when they will run.
The first prerequisite is two engines, so that we have a rescue engine available in case of defugalty. The 489 should be under steam next week to join the 463.
The second prerequisite is need. Between now and opening day most of the track work will be surfacing, so the need to haul ties is minimal. We could certainly spread some ballast, but until the EBT cars are in service (at least a month, probably more), we're still trying to determine if and how to use the two converted standard gauge cars (the body bolsters are virtually riding on the sideframes). At some point we will need to haul the kitchen equipment into Osier.
A third consideration is the longer the roadbed has a chance to dry out, the less likely any soft spots.
The end of next week might see a train, but it will more likley be two weeks. When we run a train it will probably be on short notice, in response the the need to get something moved.