A couple of generations ago ( in the late 50s to early 70s) the people South Park refers to did exist. Lindsay Ashby, and friends bought up the last of the logging locos, and locos from South America, along with available equipment from the last of the Grande to create a collection that was then used to rebuild and operate the Georgetown Loop.
At about the same time, The Sundown and Southern was created by another of those individuals. The collection of equipment, buildings and land came together, but then through a series of misfortunes, it became stalled.
Years Before them you had Mr. Knott collecting up RGS equipment for his Berry Farm and Bob Richardson for his motel.
Similarly, There are fellows like Jerry Albers and Bob Shank who built up collections of equipment. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. I know I've left many out.
Now, the last of the narrow gauge common carriers is ancient history. Remaining equipment is considered collectables rather than scrap. Those wishing for a lasting legacy have created foundations (CRRM) or businesses (Knotts, C&TS, D&S) to preserve what they can, into the future. Otherwise, the heirs have every right to do what they want with it, including bonefires.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/13/2013 01:10PM by El Nehi.