You are correct that work is progressing on the railbus. They are kicking butt, and getting it done. There are a couple of guys working on the machine work for the shay, and I worked on arnold z until we came to a point where the project hit a brick wall. We were unable to accurately measure the wheel thickness with them under the engine, and when we got them out we found out that they are worn out and cannot be repaired without machining and fitting new tires. The group does not want to spend 4k just on new tires for Arnold Z, and since it is not a museum engine, there is no money for it anyways. There are also several major issues with arnold beyond the wheels, many of which are just as expensive. Unfortunately the cost outweighs the benefits at this time.
So, all efforts have been focused on the railbus, and there is hope that it will be operational by Thanksgiving. But there is some speculation that the bus will be successful in handling the task of "building" the railroad and establishing the railroad park project. The engine is very old and needs a complete overhaul,if it is even possible. There is some hesitation to rely totally on the railbus for this reason. It could last only a year and the whole project be bust, or it could be rock solid and last decades. Nobody is sure. Thats why there is a search for a replacement locomotive so that the museum does not hinge everything on a machine built from scraps by the D&C with an old tractor engine. Its just not putting all its eggs in one basket so to speak. And now there is a push to do it quickly because there is pressure to be operational soon so that the ROW doesn't become a hiking trail. The EDWRF is making progress, but it is very fragile.
As it stands, all I want to do is help the EDWRF find a suitable locomotive to borrow or something for a couple of years to help get the railroad established.
