I think having a 6th locomotive would be a must. Who would have ever thought Labato would have burned and been out of service? I think they have to be prepared for the X factor. It's like having insurance I pay for it every month but never use it--does that mean I shouldn't keep it? Rotating in a couple or one of the K-37's if possible would mean that the overall life or continued life of the 36's and 463 would be greatly increased. At this point some of the K-36's have been running almost continuously for 40 years on top of the many years they worked on the Rio Grande. I know money is everything and it gets the job done, but there should always be a contingency in place just in case. Even working something with the D&S in getting the 476 up and running quickly if needed.
William
aka drgwk37