Absolutely. It does make it difficult.
What if the Navahos (or is it the Utes) want Ignacio (and the casino) connected to Durango for gambling trains and Durango wants it for the added tourist draw and the D&SNG would be willing to operate it? Then a new grade out of Durango to the old grade that does exist would be achievable.
Doesn't the old grade go nearby the La Plata County airport? If so, "shuttle" runs between the airport and downtown would be possible. I never thought I'd think about a steam powered "rapid" transit system, but it could be another selling point to get D&SNG, Durango, and La Plata to join in. It might mean that a short spur be run from the airport to the old line be built. If it would mean that we get the path out of Durango, I'd be all for it. Hey, the vacation would begin when you leave the airport by steam powered train. (or to protect the steamers for other duities, a GE 44 tonner like the Pinapple could be used)
I can just hear the pilots asking for visability reports as they approach the airport - airport socked in due to coal smoke!
Right now we need ground work to figure out what is achievable and how.
Doug.