"Looks like any hopes or dreams of the line being rebuilt on the old grade to the DSNG are pretty much gone "
Jessica,
I know it does look like a for gone conclusion that it could not be done.
Obviously I'd like to see the old main line back in.
Practically, how would you go about it?
Who would have thought in 1970 that we would have a K-27 running today? In 1950 who would have thought we would have TWO (much less one) portion of the narrow gauge still in operation WITHOUT ever having the rails removed?
I remember a thread on the old board about doing something to preserve the old R.O.W.
If you want to keep the POSSIBILITY of connecting Durango to Chama and keeping AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the old grade, there are alot of plusses. The big most expensive bridges around the lake at Arboles (the lake's name escapes me right now) are still in place.
What would need to happen would be to get a "Friends of the Main Line" group together to do a survey of the grade. From that it could be determined what sections are most in danger of being lost. These would then be studied to see if either buying the land, buying the development rights of the land, or buying a railroad easement over the land on the sections affected most by development or erosion. Of course this means finding a funding source and man power.
Next, places where the old grade can not be used would need to be identified (i.e. south of the Durango yards) and examination of alternate paths to reconnect the existing segnents.
It would not be a hard job I think, just a long and tedious one.
If there is interest in trying to restore the main, the longer we wait the less likely we can reconnect the line. I'm sure the ex-Colorado Central people (i.e. Lindsey) could have alot of input on that considering what happened there.
As far as motive power, for operating the line, the D&S has 3 K-37's not in operation and the C&TS of course has 3 K-37's and a K-36. For the D&SNG to get involved, there would need to be a reasonable chance to make a profit on the operation. This might be in the form of gambling train(s) from Durango to the casino in Ignacio (if I recall correctly).
If push come to shove, 464 might be aquired and the 42 could be used on the lower grades of the Chama-Durango line.
In my opinion, if it is to be done, it should be done now. I think the effort probably would be better used for Shank's Creede operation or the three railing of the Alamosa-Antonito line, BUT I would be willing to support trying to protect the most endangered sections of the line to KEEP our options open for the future.
