Average Cost of C&TS K-36 Rebuilds

Based upon past records the four operative C&TS K-36's and tenders were completely rebuilt by RGRPC and CTSMC over the five years from August 2003 to August 2008.

RGRPC began the complete rebuilding of the K-36 fleet starting with 484 entering the Chama Shop in August 2003. It was outshopped and returned to service in late April 2004, followed closely by the Antonito Shop completing the rebuild of 487 in late May in time for the start of the 2004 season. Then RGRPC returned 488 to service in May 2005. The rebuild of 489, which proceeded as time and resources permitted, was started by RGRPC in 2003, but completed by CTSMC in August 2008.

I have statistics for the cost of completely rebuilding three of the K-36's, 484, 487, and 488, under RGRPC's management. The total was $2.4 million for an average cost of about $800,000 each, plus or minus about 10% due to the usual uncertainties over allocation and recording of costs. The funding came from $1.4 million in Federal EDA grants obtained by the Friends, $342,000 in Colorado appropriations, $522,000 in New Mexico appropriations, and $125,000 in Friends' matching funds.

What might be the cost of building a new K-36 is anyone's guess. Perhaps a more relevant question might be what would be the cost of restoring a K-37 to service if the need should someday arise? About this there has been much discussion on this board over the past several years.