That was a good point, and sorry I didn't catch it just right. I would gather that the D&SNGRR might in some of their reviews of costs, have developed for the operation/service/repair cost for the #473 over the years by a per mile breakdown. Multiply that to the mileage of the day trip, and then add that to the total crew costs which were surely a full day, and then add about 40% more for welfare, etc. Then add some prorated insurance costs for the project. You might want to double the mileage cost as the snow pushing added extra stress to the engine and all its parts.

But another way to look at it as just an operating expense that is to be incurred to get that good returns from the Polar Express trains. We hear they are very successful but we would sure like to hear more about their size and other details. Sound like they are real fun trains that have captured a large following and repeat ridership. Anyone have more to add about the Cascade Polar Express?