Re: Rick, you fergawt something!

To my present knowledge:

SVRR was paid in full before the 1203 left Oregon. A truck was loaded this week with the spare parts of any value that came with the Porter. The 1203 actually has quite a few new, rebuilt or replacement parts and additional labor that were not in the proposal and/or paid for by CHS.

It was CHS's choice not to completely rebuild the 1203 to save money, so it does have a substantial number of major components that were repaired or qualified instead of being rebuilt - including the Cooper-Bessemer diesel engine. It was also the decision of CHS/Railstar not to pay for any training in operation or maintenance of the 1203 from SVRR/SVMW; though they may have arranged for this to be provided by an outside qualified expert on this type of locomotive.

From the 1203's arrival until he resigned, John Braun was on the phone several times a day with Scott Hutton or myself with questions about the Porter. John was working on re-adjusting the Porter to properly operate at 9000 feet (which would have to be done with almost any diesel), plus addressing the various minor annoyances that appear with any 60+ year old piece of machinery. Since his departure, we have not had any contact with CHS/Railstar other than to arrange for the transportation of the spare parts.

It is sad to hear it is sitting dead, it is one hell of a locomotive to run or watch when it is properly adjusted and working hard.

My opinion only, not a response by SVRR or SVMW. Dan