The track is still rather bad, deplorable in spots, like a ship in a rolling sea. I talked to an employee while I was there. Seems the problem is the old "no money" thing.
Yes, there are a lot of ties, and such at the Kovalchick's scrap yard in Indiana, but they might as well be on the moon. It seems some other members of Joe's family aren't as happy about running the RR as he is. So he can't simply undervalue, or write off, the other business's property and transfer it. Too bad. I gather they are looking into a grant, but it's harder for a private corporation to get these things.
I also gathered that the FEBT is trying to mend fences with Joe, and that Joe is willing to listen, that's good. Let's hope the FEBT doesn't make the same mistakes (acting like they own the place) again.
BTW As for the "rustbucket" hoppers the C&TS bought. The employee said thanks for the donation... it allowed them to get what maintenance done that they did. However, (this is for Jay and the other critics) this fellow also said whoever chose those cars managed to pick 3 cars with 3 different size brasses. He also said the representatives were told, and told who to contact for blueprints. Yup, there are LOTS of worse ones left there. Quite a few probably need salvaged for trucks and parts then scrapped. I hope the pics of the hopper with three 35 foot trees growing up through it come out.
Worse is the condition of some of the shop buildings. Vandalism and lack of upkeep are taking a toll. The one that's leaning like Fisher's fence needs shored up ASAP.
BUT, It's all still worth seeing.
