This is turning out much more positive than at first glance. But behind it all is why the stock car was there in Silverton in the first place. The first two or three years of Harper ownership of the D&S saw some interesting things happen. The stock car was part of the Silverton Rail Yard Museum that included the depot. Tracks were laid, cars brought up, and the 493 was part of this effort. But after the first flush of excitement, nothing happened. The 493 sat neglected and the cars forlorn, and only the volunteer efforts from several of the D&S employees saw any effort put towards the equipment, including the stock car. The 493 did have its asbestos removed at some point by a contractor, but only because of insurance reasons I believe. The forest fire of 2002 almost did the railroad in financially and further diverted attention. And one by one the cars have slowly deteriorated. The stabilization of the Needleton water tank was about the only nonessential preservation effort put forth by the D&S in those early years of ownership and half the expense was paid by a grant from the Colorado Historical Society.