Steve,
While I sort of sympathize with the Nebraska fans of the #69, I'm glad to see the engine going back to the White Pass. The Stuhr Museum has made it clear that they are unwilling and perhaps unable to operate a railroad. Besides, just how much narrow gauge did Nebraska have, anyway? A museum has a mission different from a tourist road. A narrow gauge railway in Nebraska is hard to justify from a Museum perspective.
The five year lease on the Georgetown Loop #40 ought to give the White Pass plenty of time to get the #69 overhauled and back in service. It will be nice to see two authentic White Pass engines working together, on their home turf. Maybe we can even get three engines behind the rotary!
Congratulations, John!