Tough times for shortlines

John , thanks for the update . I went to FLint a couple of years back . I was there around Christmas , and trains and the village were full of people . Crossroads Village is a well-run operation . The level of repair and restoration is excellent , especially the phenomenal job done by Marty Knox and his shop . The train consists of some of the most interesting narrow-gauge cars anywhere in the country . I am guessing that the Michigan economy , especially Flint ,has been hit very hard by the recession ,and Genesee County has lost a lot of its tax base . The 464 needed a lot of work ,and the repairs being done on it were extensive . Peronally , I feel it won't be closed , but it may be sold to a private owner or operations will be a stripped down till the economy improves .
A lot of pressure is being put on all remaining steam operations by spiralling costs , high gas prices and a general decline in tourism . It's inevitable that some operations will either close or switch to diesel . What's depressing is that steam will have a hard time making a comeback .