Re: Two New Grants - and #483, #492 & #497

With the discussion of restoration and the historic metal argument here again, I'd like to say that the C&TS (and D&S also) are unique enough rail operations that many of several classes of steamers are still existent. 8 K-37 and 9 K-36. The C&TS is using the non-operating (not derelict) as parts supply for the operable ones.

I would like to suggest (and it only takes money ) that one of each class be stripped of the parts that might be needed for the operating fleet and have wooden facsimiles of the removed parts added and then have the two locomotives painted up and put in a viewing building/museum of some sort with boards describing the history of the locomotive. Unlike the argument of (for instance) Southern RR 1401 stuffed and mounted in the Smithsonian, we can actually have one stuffed and mounted and one operating. A stairway to the cab could be had and the visitors allowed access to the cab. The handles and gauges could be labeled. If one or two freight cars were added inside the building also, the visitors could enter a box car or a refer or ... in a more historic configuration.

Of course I would like to see all the C&TS steamers operable, but in the forseeable future use what is not operable for a static display and maybe make another reason to visit the C&TS or stay another day.

DvV