Dave- I am a librarian, not a machinist. I see the Money $$ it would take; parts availablity nonwithstanding. I have no "in" with C&TSRR so I do not know what they have left or their prioities. I know there are driver components in Chama engine shop but I have no idea where they go. That said, logistics from the sidelines:
484, 487-9 are the revenue for the railroad as it currently runs. Without firm commitment(s) that increase the need for motive power on a regular basis (This is a goal we
all share). There is no real need for 483--except as a very powerful display; cost to benefit in my mind is make a nice shinny display and spend the money on a Narrow Gauge K-37 that can be run on specials and extras. Can you imagine the appeal of a onece in a lifetime ride on the only survivor of the largest narrow gauge locomotives every run in revenue. C&T trackage is superior so there would only be the cost of getting one running. sidebar: D&S apparently stole half of 493 so we know there are cosmetic level parts of a K-36 somewhere; there are always the parts from 83...
So the strength of this group is everyones insight. Tell me if or what should be the right direction.
+kerry