Mr Delafield (which I understand is not your real name), Robert Franzen was not the leader of getting 1744 running in Alamosa. The work was done under the supervision of Mr Butler.
The world needs to know that you were fired by Midwest Locomotive and Machine, then went on to work for another steam operation who fired you for the same thing. You have a serious axe to grind to Mr. Butler and the readers of this forum need to know this little piece of truth before that take your postings as gospel.
There were lots of issues with #69 as Philj pointed out. WPY was aware of the the problems and wanted the locomotive returned to them anyway.
I suggest you put it behind you and find a new gig. I'm tired of hearing from you.