I went to the commission meeting when the swap was nixed. Former commissioner Randall was influenced by individuals and called in the attorney general of NM to block the trade. Randall refused to listen to his own expert on steam locomotives, John Bush. Commissioner Love was so upset he was visually shaking. Both Bush and Love wanted to complete the museum aspect of the C&T. Any k28 does that and there are only 3 left.
A certain element influenced former commissioner Randall and got what they wanted.
A major miscalculation upon Randall's part was that he was asking for 500k annually for locomotive rebuilds at the time. 478 had a few months left of operation. Michael Allen and myself pleaded with Randall mentioning we could easily raise money via charters to start the rebuild before time ran out. So he nixed a working locomotive for 483 that needs major work likely costing over 1 million dollars to bring operational. I among others wrote to Governor Martinez of NM asking he be replaced and viola! Buh bye!!!
We now have excellent commissioners from both states. I don't know if everyone is aware that commissioner Love volunteered with the Friends in June. He cares very much about the long term viability of the C&T and preserving the railroad for future generations to see. Commissioner Cowles is the same. We are very lucky currently. They likely would approve a beneficial swap.
The question is if the D&S would be interested?? One would think another oil burner would be beneficial. Two oil burners and the diesels could run a good operation.I certainly would be way more involved with the local community in Chama explaining why this is a good idea. All I'd have to tell any local is that the k28s have been stranded in Durango since Dec 1968 and we want to bring one home!