FordCVP71 Wrote:
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> Are the park service people for the most part the
> only ones who do anything for 278? Or are like
> there are any "friends" groups out there for the
> stuff at Cimarron?
The entire Cimarron site is government property and run by the National Park Service. As the site is so isolated (long way to Gunnison or Montrose) I doubt any private groups are involved. Gunnison has their own Pioneer Museumw with 268 and their train to care for.
I think everyone originally thought putting 278 and the other equipment there was a great idea. No gangs around to do their "artwork" on it and being out on the bridge, at least the 278, box car, and caboose 0577 would be hard to vandalize. What has happened to the train and display shows that historic preservation is an ongoing activity, not a one time splurge. I am sure that Bill Jones would agree that what he did back in the 70s needed to be maintained and it wasn't. Bill did this project as a contract with the National Park Service while a student at Western State College in Gunnison.
Colorado weather is harsh on equipment and the fresh paint and lettering only lasts a few years.
Jerry Day
Longmont, CO