I have been following the developments with a mix of consternation and dismay. Madame Queen and I go back a long way, I suppose you could say I was "a jester in her court." 24 years ago, I was an instigator in the initial restoration effort (1992-1995). Amarillo is and always has been a railroad town. A cultural resource like the "Five-Thousand" should be venerated, not dismissed. I liken it to something akin to selling a birthright. If the city wants to be done with her, they need to sell her free and clear. If not they need to invest in her conservation and celebration. Here are some photos from a happier time.
Three Builder Views from Baldwin:
Extra 5000 West at Ricardo, NM - 1943 by Jack Delano from the Library of Congress:
The original marker placed at the locomotive by the Santa Fe:
-Jeff
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2016 08:05AM by 74ford.