Ned --
When it comes to rebuilding steam locos real-world comparisons can help in any assessment. Take C&TS #489 for example. Disassembly by the Chama Shop began in the Spring of 2002 and the loco did not return to service until August 22, 2008 - over six years later. Furthermore, unlike the experience with 463, many parts for 489 were mislaid over that period and replacements had to be ordered or fabricated.
During this period the new FRA boiler requirements came into play and all C&TS locos eventually had to have the extensive Part 230 Form 4 boiler retubing, etc., work done. Back then RGRPC made the proper decision to fully rebuild the four K-36's and not 463 because of its lower tractive effort. The Friends were instrumental in raising funds from federal and state sources for this work which was of highest priority because a fleet of four locos is essential to properly cover the C&TS's schedule (three can do the job, if nothing goes wrong, but things always seem to go wrong with such equipment).
Under these circumstances 463 was superfluous for revenue operations, it had a seriously bent frame due to an RGS trestle collapsing under it, and would not have been rebuilt if not for the efforts of the Friends to gain funding from the feds, state, and private donations, most importantly the support from the Narrow Gauge Foundation.
Quite simply there was no real economic justification for rebuilding 463, but there clearly was for 489 which was in better shape than 463, but still took a damn sight longer to rebuild. Furthermore, a great deal of the work on 463 had to be done at facilities away from the Chama Shop for the simple reason that the shop's capacity was properly devoted to maintaining the revenue-producing K-36 fleet.
Yes, the many other donors and I are grateful that the Friends took on the task of rebuilding 463, but, unlike 489, 463 will only help marginally in actual operations. If there really were an economic need for more motive power 497 would have been the rational choice.
Ned, on a personal note I'm suggesting that you would do well to apologize to those who saved 463, that you regret your intemperate remarks. You could start by admitting that you simply are too far away from such C&TS matters to have a reasoned, fact-based opinion, but I leave that to you.
