Re: Silverton Northern Revival

It’s a shame that the project has hit problems. Mears’ roads have fascinated me since I visited for the first time 15 years ago. Ironically I knew nothing about the Silverton Railroads until I rode the Durango and Silverton and saw them mentioned in the guide book.

I’ve heard the ‘too many heritage railways’ argument made here often and sympathise with the point of view. The Welsh Highland Railway as it is now owes its existence to a similar feud. I personally think that if an area becomes known for something - Colorado is famous amongst railfans as THE place to visit for American narrow gauge, that in itself will attract visitors. Sure the average family visiting might have one train ride during their vacation but after making the trek there to ride the Durango & Silverton I made a point of riding every bit of railroad that I could fit into my itinerary which included some of the smaller more obscure places like the Southe Platte and Fort Worth Trolleys.

A restored section of the SN would have been an added attraction to people riding the D&S and a handy link to the Old Hundred Mine if they’d got to Howardsville.