Bill,
Thanks for posting this.
What the C&TS desperately needs right now is a viable business plan. One that takes into account the reality of shrinking state budgets, the political consequences of the anti-taxation and anti-earmark mood represented by the Tea Party movement and the very real possibility that Labato trestle will not be back in service by next season.
While the C&TS is owned by the states and run by a not for profit it is only viable if its business model covers at least all its operating and regular maintenance costs.
I for one do not see how operating a leased locomotive on the portion of the line between Lobato and Cumbres can cover the necessary costs. Nor do I see the general public paying to ride this portion of the line and then riding from Cumbres to Osier and back, or on to Antonito and back by bus.
I am eager to see a model that identifies the actual ticket buying public and shows a way the railroad (which I love) can survive until the bridge is repaired and/or the current political climate changes.
John Bush