I agree, I doubt it would be economically justifiable.
However, I think of this as similar to Kyle's operation of the C&TS. He subsidized the operation from his pocket with profits from his freight operations.
If the SV&RG can get a grant to dual gauge Alamosa to Antonito, all I can say is go for it and support it 100%. If that is how we get our tax money into something we can support, great. Sure it can be better spent elsewhere but when the Feds spend stimulus money for insurance programs on honey bees and other like items, what is the harm in trying to get it for something we enjoy even if it is not economically justified in the private sector.
The whole C&TS is marginally justifiably by itself. If CO & NM had not stepped up to the plate in 1970, we'd have nothing to discuss here, the entire operation would be gone and Dave would be trying overlays of aerial photos to find where the Cumbres line went.
The entire dual gauge might be the sacrificial lamb on the grant. This allows the Feds to say they "saved" money and the applicant to get what they wanted. And what if the Feds OK the grant including the 3rd rail? A grant does not need to be paid back and so (although I'd like a reduction in taxes myself), we get something of value that makes us feel that our tax money is not being spent and we get no value for it.
Personally, I would like the money spent to run track west from Chama to Monero Canyon. I think it would be a more enjoyable ride than Alamosa to Antonito. It would allow narrow gauge to span the continental divide also.
I think economic justification can not be ignored but to focus on it to the exclusion of all else is also not quite correct.
I think we can all agree that economically, both the 3rd rail from Alamosa to Antonito and the C&TS are not justified. It is the historical significance that tilts the scales. to supporting a marginal operation.
Can we get out of the economic justified rut and see what else can be gleened from the interesting possibility?
The lack of turnout part availability is a non-issue. ALTHOUGH possibly expensive, there is a company in Alabama that is willing to make dual gauge turnouts in its shop. It also will manufacture turnouts/switches in 85# rail.
My opinion.
Doug vV
