Average speed

May I point out that for operation top speed is not as important as average speed. For example:
Over a 30 mile run an average speed of 15 mph takes 2 hrs, average 20 mph and you make it 1.5 hrs.
Over a 45 mile run 15 mph ave = 3hrs, 20 mph ave = 2.25 hrs.

Now, for a thought exercise, consider the topic that has been raised before on this forum about how people aren't as willing to invest as much time in a train ride in our modern go-go world as us old(er) farts have been in the past...

historically, (ca 1919) trains 115/116 averaged 16-18 mph both Antonito-Chama and Durango-Silverton.

By 1950, the San Juan did an average of 19-20 mph, Antonito-Chama.

food for thought.

hank