Yes, you see my point exactly.
As far as I'm concerned the CHS ruined the coach when they stripped all of the siding off and hauled it to a dump without even checking to see the history of it through the paint layers. They then replaced (according to their estimates) about 60% of the interior.
BUT !!! there was nothing done to the draft gear, air brakes or trucks.
So you got a great body... Is it safe to move without checking the smoothness of the axles or the condition of the bearings? Can you say "Metal Lathe"? I knew you could!
Is it smart to load a coach up that has wood beam trucks without checking or replacing those same beams or the wooden bolsters? No...
Is it safe to let a car load of tourists down a 4% grade without a working brake system?
There are a number of other items, such as safety chains, brake hangers, End Beams, shoes, etc. that the CHS never touched.
At least the GTLRR knows enough to know that the superstructure is the least important part when it comes to operating a railroad. The MOST important part hangs on the bottom of the car. Other than that, it's just a box, reefer, tank or whatever else you choose to put above it.
That's why they haven't lost a life or had a major accident. They know what's important. The CHS is constantly proving that it's all Beads, Bangles and shiny things with little substance.
Rick