I think it is about time that I chime in on this issue.
I have been in the tourist railroad industry for over 26 years and I have been associated with the Ashbys and the Loop for twelve years. The operation on the Georgetown Loop is one of the best in the country, both for its professionalism and its frendly atmosphere.
In my opinion the Ashbys are by far the best in the business. With over 30 years in the tourist railroad buisness they have earned a great deal of respect and admiration nationwide. They have allowed me to work in my chosen field as a steam engineer and locomotive mechanic and, I might add, it has been my pleasure working for them. If the G.L.R. has to move the equipment off the property, I will help them move all of the equipment, but I will say this, I will not work for another company or contractor on this line! The Ashbys have always treated me with kindness and respect. I will not betray that trust.
Jason is right. The way the RFI is written NO company will be able to make any profit and as a buisness venture any potential operator will walk way from it or face certain bankruptsy. It is painfully obvious that the C.H.S. is very arrogant and ignorant concerning operating a steam railroad.
As for the #9 It is nearly a basket case. She would require nearly five years and over a million dollars worth of work to be in any shape for service. It has been stored outside for decades and it still has the asbestos lagging on it. This will cause a boiler to corrode away. The chances are good that the boiler may well be beyond repair. All of her appliances are either missing or beyond repair. All will need to be replaced. Even the tender, as a whole, is junk. The #9 was equipped to burn coal because of the fire danger in the valley. It would have to be converted to burn oil. So much for historical accuracy. Of course the potential contractor will have to pay for the restoration and it will still belong to the C.H.S. Not a very good expenditure of money.
What needs to be done is a letter writing campaign to the Governer of Colorado (Gov. Bill Owens) and to all the elected officials of this state. Make your voice and opinions heard. Apply political pressure on the C.H..S. I think this is the only way to help save the railroad.
Phil Reader
Engineer/Mechanic
Georgetown Loop Railroad.
