I seem to have accidentally set off a panic with my news of diesel operations. The diesel powered trains will be on Thursday & Friday and steam will continue to rightfully reign on Saturdays. I suppose the 1203 will do the "honors" as I can't imagine any of the smaller diesels being able to get even a minimal train (3 coaches, concession car & a premium car) up to Rockwood, plus I have heard that they can't be MUed.
The 1203 has some issues of its own. I have heard that its hard on the track and the D&S has already has had a rash of derailments. I don't pretend to follow every movement of the D&S anymore although the 32nd street crossing about a half mile away gives some clues. Anyway I have never seen the 1203 beyond the yard limits. I know the 1203 came from the Georgetown Loop with its sharp curves & grades but its a long hard haul up to Rockwood, Also the 1203 only has 13K tractive effort which is only half the K-27s.
I suppose that some suit has figured out of these details. I plan to use my annual pass on the first trip to see what happens,
For now about the best that we can hope for is that the 1203 is repainted in RG Gold & Black.
Hank Wright
Durango CO