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 for profit? Then a new grade out of Durango to get to the old grade 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 "new" steam powered "rapid" transit system, but it could be another selling point to get the D&SNG, Durango, and La Plata County 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 know people would cry rape if I suggested using an ex-White pass desiel for this, but what if the shuttle was Goose powered?
Maybe the service would include checking baggage at the airport for delivery straight through to the Palmer Hotel or others?
A line from Chama to Dulce would allow gambling runs between the two places and year round operation out of Chama, but I'm not sure it would work unless the gambling train ran from Alamosa (large population center), and Cumbres would need to be kept open year round for that. Are there any skiing or rafting opportunities on the east end (Chama west)? For instance, ride the train one way and raft back. I'm sure Chama would back something to draw visitor for more of the year than the C&TS currently does.
This potential restoration of rail service between Chama and Durango would have to be self supporting (that's why the gambling trains and the spur to the airport are mentioned). Also it must be realized that compromises in alignment will probably be made. C&TS did it with Kyle's kink and the balloon loop at Osier. D&SNG added the wye at Cascade Creek. So we should not restrict ourselves too much to only builing on the old grade.
I can just hear the pilots asking for visability reports as they approach the La Plata County Airport - airport socked in due to coal smoke!
Right now we need ground work to figure out what is achievable and how.
