Re: SLRG between Salida and Buena Vista - NNG

It might not hurt before everybody gets in a big lather over this idea to go out and actually look up close at the condition of the infrastructure of the railroad in Browns Canyon. I can't speak about Browns Canyon, but I have been in the bottom of the Eagle River Canyon, walking the track. The signals and wiring were gone. Some tie replacement was needed. But the most horrifying thing for a safety-conscious person like me is that the head of the rail was worn down to the point where it was only 1/4 inch thick! The Eagle River Canyon would have to be completely re-railed before an insurance agent would let you put a passenger train on it. I have little reason to believe that Browns Canyon track would be in any better condition. Expect to spend truckloads of cash to make a viable operation. And the source of that cash? Nobody ever says.

Mike