Bill,
The SV cloud of doom does have a silver lining. If something wasn't easily accessible or removeable in 1947, chances are it is still there. It's been estimated that more than 1600 miles of logging lines radiated from the SV from 1890 to 1947, so the chance for artifacts is still pretty high. What you said about facilities having stuff is also true, as I have found numerous small remains at the Baker car shops. Just last weekend I discovered an origional piece of SV track not 200 feet from the McEwen depot, it's being used as a fence post. Also, I just happen to have a good metal detector, so I'll give the Curry branch a good sweep and post what I find.
Thanks Again, Taylor