Re: Reality.

Using the helper in the yard might be a possibility, but you could not actually run to the wye. The FRA will permit a student engineer to operate in a yard area, but you cannot cross a public highway in so doing. The wye involves two crossings.
Forget this idea for a while though, as the railroad has all it can do to operate the three available engines with the crews they have. They are already working the engineers and firemen overtime to cover the schedule. The crews now have to report at 7:30 am to hostle the engines, dump the ashes, etc., a job formerly done by the shop crew, but now nixed by the FRA. The shop crew would have to become qualified engineers in order to perform the hostler's duties, a luxury the C&TS cannot spare right now.
In a couple of years, when Bob has a bunch of engines operational and Ed has enough engineers and firemen, perhaps we could pitch them on using the helper engine and crew for an engineer for an hour program. Just remember though, you will need to go to engine school and pass a physical exam in order to get an FRA approved student license.
Meanwhile, lets give them all the support we can. They are doing a great job with what they have available. How many railroads do you know of that have been running steam at 100% availability for over two months? I don't know about you, but I'm impressed!