what no one has mentioned is the age old problem of transhipping passengers and freight.
What US Gypsum is move ore from one point to a processing plant and that is why they make as success and still have a narrow gauge railroad. As I understand it their track to the UP connectionis entirely sep[erate.
They have also caused to be built some very interesting narrow gauge locomotives. Who else besides the White Pass has built and used brand new Narrow Gauge Diesels?
Some place in my files I have an article and roster for the line. If you want I can post the citation for it.
Ted Miles