The Central City line and the Loop were both in operation at the same time. Central City started in July 1968. The Loop construction was started in 1974. The Ashby's pulled out of Central City in 1983, mainly due to the economy...and to devote all their time to the Loop.
The next tourist line did operate the #71, which was very tired, but did manage to operate for the short time the railroad was in existence. The operation failed due to very poor management. The perfectly preserved gondola car had a side doorway cut into it for passenger loading. It now sits lost and forlorn in a Central City "park".
From what I understand, the equipment is still owned by the Opera Association and is on "long term loan" to the casino. I do not know what it would take to rebuild it......but I don't think it something anyone needs to be concerned about
Unless the casino closes, it will probably be there a long time.
Jerry