I'm aware that in the last year or so, #19 has been a dog at performance. I'm told it would hardly get out of it's own way.
The plan at the moment is to get it running well enough to pull at least a couple of loaded gravel cars up Cumbres. Later, as time and money allows, George will do more in-depth mechanical work, maybe even replacement. It is my plan to be involved in that work, somewhat.
I don't ever expect it to have the romance or attraction of one of the steamers. #487 is still my favorite locomotive down there, and I expect you all have your favorites. But I will count it a personal victory when I get a photo of #19 hauling a ballast train outward from Antonito.
Jim Burrill