The Strip-Mall Lights

Scott, I guess I ought to clarify. My concerns about the lights are directed at inconsistencies by SHPO (not railfans).

1. When the Friends and the Commission follow proper protocols and submit proposals to the SHPO's, such as the proposed RVC, the review process by the SHPO's is rigorous and throrough as it should be. However, when the mall lights got installed in the supposedly sacrosanct "viewspace" portion of the Chama yard without sufficient prior review and approval by the SHPO's -- all of which should be a no-no under established railroad and SHPO policies -- the lights remain "as is" to this day. In touring the yard SHPO apparently looks the other way, focusing on the proposed location of the RVC which is outside the restriced "viewspace", but blind to the offending mall lights. Go figure.

2. Fortunately, a simple solution is available. Replace the offending fixtures with historically appropriate ones that would provide even better lighting closer to where work gets done on engines on the tracks leading into the shop. Has anyone considered replicas of station platform lights? I'm not about to go whining to SHPO. The Commission ought to be able to fix this on its own initiative.