The little Kahalui #12 will be missed at the Loop. With so much hard work that the Silver plume shop force put into it's re build and upgrades that it became some what of a "Loop pet" It is a good steamer and is easy on fuel. The way we laid out the cab controls is much improved for safety, convenience and comfort. it is now FRA compliant and maintained to a higher standard. It is a cool little locomotive. last season we never abused it or over loaded it however because #12 is a smaller locomotive we were not able to pull more cars for our quests or to make it more economically successful for our operation.
The Kahalui #12 is going to a good home. It will be greatly cared for By Matt and his capable staff. In my opinion it will be a good fit and a good asset to the Mid West Centrals operation.
This summer we want to throw a goodbye "Aloha" event for the #12 before it leaves the Loop for good. This should happen some time early in the season. Stay tuned for more details.
As for the #9. I have made a career working on Shays in particular West side Shays. I am looking forward to working with the #9 as is the Silver Plume Shop force. everyone in the shopis really jazzed about it. Yes we will take care of it Like it is our own. At this time I am also working on the W.S.L.Co. Shay #12 and I am working on plans to return the #14 to service at the Colorado Railroad museum. Perhaps a Colorado/West side Lumber Co. Shay fest it in order. After all over the years four of the West side Shays have worked on the Georgetown Loop!
Make plans to visit the loop this season The return to Shay powered trains is a very cool thing indeed.
Phil Reader
