Re: Coal?

John, I think it was stated before, if not publicly, most folks know that 481 or any other potential coal burner will only operate in the winter, generally with snow on the ground. The rest of the year when there is no snow the oil burners and diesels will run. With 2 engines potentially used on the second Silverton train (first one is diesel), and the Cascade Train, 5 oil burners should be able to handle it with 2 spares for boiler washes, routine maintenance, etc. Also they can be rotated as needed for wear and tear purposes and FRA days. With 486 and 478 stored, it appears they will not work on them for awhile. 498 is outside and in worse shape than the other two. That leaves 481 as the wild card. If they were to convert another one(If needed), you can probably figure it will be 481. I would rather they convert 486 first, and keep 481 coal for posterity at least and runs in the winter now and then.
Greg