Re: Eventual RR planned between Ventura & Saugus

nick94610 Wrote:
=======================================================
> Is this true??
> Are Dave and Tresa really selling the Fillmore
> & Western and they are going to reconnect the
> branch line??


Though uncertain in many of its details, much of Mr. Barr's post (above) is pretty much correct.  Running a railroad is not easy, especially in today's economy.  I haven't spoken with Dave recently, but have heard second-hand from a mutual friend that he is seriously considering selling the F&W and retiring - even though he is not yet quite old enough to join the Fraternal Order of Cantankerous Kürmudgons (and far too pleasant a fellow to qualify for membership even several years from now).

As to the second part of your question, "What you mean-um 'they are', Kemo Sabe?"   Or even 'are they'??

Assuming that by 'they' you mean the County of Ventura, the County of Los Angeles, the transportation commissions thereof, MetroLink, and/or the State of California, I am reasonable certain that, sooner or later, both of these predictions will come true. One of the main reasons the County of Ventura purchased the branch in the early 1990's was to preserve it for eventual use as a commuter line serving Santa Paula and Fillmore, and IIRC an agreement with Newhall Land & Farming was made at that time to allow re-construction of the railroad between Piru and Saugus, although not on the original r.o.w. in some places.

Whether this will happen during my lifetime, or even yours, only the F.S.M. knows ...

- Rüsso



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 04/07/2013 12:47PM by Russo Loco.