Re: Utah state trying to stuff and mount D&RGW #223

Bill,

My best guess is that asking the C&TS or the commission to fund the purchase of the #223 and then fund its restoration is a non-starter. However. if funding came from somewhere else and the locomotive was purchased from the state of Utah and then donated to the C&TS, I feel confident the C&TS would complete the restoration and operate it as part of its historic fleet. I know that the GSRLHS has used GoFundMe (with some sucess?)

More likely, in my opinion, is we convince the state of Utah to donate or long-term lease the locomotive to the C&TS with the intent that restoration is complete. I would think the railroad would be willing to make a gesture back to the state of Utah similar to the one it made with the city of Colorado Springs - a discount to riders from the region (in this case, all residents of Utah).

In a side note, I was just tipped off to the fact that there is a picture in the Friend's Dorman collection showing D&RGW #223 on Osier in 1909! (see [ngtrainpics.photoshelter.com]) which means we can easily make a historical case for the #223 going to the C&TS.

I know I've pushed the #223 going to the C&TS idea pretty hard. In no way am I trying to take away from what the GSRLHS has accomplished (and could continue to accomplish if allowed to). I'm perfect happy to travel to Utah to see #223 operate if need be. The most important goal, as far as I'm concerned, is that the restoration of #223 is continued.

Greg Coit
Bayfield, CO