Re: 306,320 and the Huckleberry *PIC*

I do not know the museum thinking that went into it at the time, but the deal allowed RGS 260, and 320 and 306 to be restored to operating condition back in 1976, probably at a time when prioities and capital had other needs at the CRM. They also did not have passenger car trucks at the time. As a result of this deal back then, N de M trucks from the Puddingstone, California collection of cars were placed under the cars and they were restorted to operating conditition, so that now the Silverton is not the only place where one can ride 1880's NG coach equipment at "track" speed. The Huckleberry is a going governmental concern; if for any reason they decided to get out of the business, they would have to follow government procedures to dispose of the equipment, giving other worthy groups an equal chance to continue stewardship. So the equipment is in active operable preservation, and will be available for generations to come.
Frankly, ditto the 464. It was too large for Knott's, probably too small for Durango, and Cumbres already has one. And probably over $500,000 of restoration/preservation has gone into the locomotive since 1983. One way or the other, it has a good chance for long term availability for ours and future enjoyment.
Steve Zuiderveen
Former Huck employee