Re: This week's Stuhr Museum update

For what it is worth, I actually spoke to Paul D. at Stuhr, for among other reasons, to find out why the trade was planned. It actually makes alot of sense and I think it is too bad that this open letter was written without more investigation of the issues.
As I recall, first, the engine represents a time period a little later than that which the museum wished to recreate. Second, it is very large and basically squealled all the way around the tight curves of the railroad. Third, such conditions exasperated wear-an-tear. And after all that, the rebuild was going to be more expensive than it would have been worth, considering other options. I am sure that live steam will return to Stuhr once the railroad is in shape and the right engine comes around.
Aside from the refocusing of museum goals and a fair assesment of the conditions effecting a restoration, that the engine heads back to home rails is fantastic. Life changes - get over it.