Re: 3 engines on the east side.

I think the cost of the schools is very reasonable at around $567 per day when you consider all that is involved and what you get out of the experience. Assuming that there are the full compliment of 6 students, that gives the railroad $ 3400 per day for which they provide:
1 locomotive with coal, water, lubricants, crew, and a special freight train. Then add in the costs of management, dispatching, books and materials provided plus the instructor, lunches for three days, drinking water, ice, bus and driver for each day to ferry the participants to and from Antonito. And then consider the prolific photos and videos from Roger and his associate which each participant receives.

Then add in the knowledge you gain about the locomotives and the operation of trains over the railroad. You learn not just what and how they do things but also why. You come away with a great deal of knowledge and respect for this railroad and it's unique characteristics.

Can you think of anyplace else where you get all that for such a reasonable cost? I can't.

-Jim Herron