Doesn't make a lot of sense to me to put all of this effort and money into diesels, when we have ten (count 'em) steam locomotives, 3 of which are running, one more coming out soon, at least another by fall, and probably two more by spring.
Naturally, it's a little scary running a DH every day with no relief. The diesel backup is needed NOW, not later when we have plenty of steam power.
Frankly, I guess I'm one of the 'opposition'. I hate to see a diesel even used for work trains out on the mainline. Handy to have one at each end for yard switching and the ultimate emergency, but I shudder to thjink of them becoming a common sight on the line. In any case, #19 can't haul much; maybe one ballast car. Just how much good would it do trying to rescue passengers.