Jim,
Good valid points, and I considered them when I posted my question.
1) Insurance. For a short-time project, that has historically not been a problem (How many accidents during a park engine move have you heard of?) you should be able to get a few million in insurance for about $15,000 easily, $30,000 tops.
2) Altering mainline for one-time move. Actually, not that unusual, and I know of other groups who have had to have this done. At one time, the railroad would often do it at no cost, but let us not dwell on the past. So a day with a crew and their equipment should disconnect and reconnect within the one day--I believe the move left is under 10 miles? So. . . $50,000 should cover that expense, double it $100,000 for "usual profit incentive."
3) Train and crew to make 10 mile move. I don't know how far they have to come from "home base" but it is in Denver. . . Let us say, $25,000 for the move reasonable charge, double that, $50,000 for good measure.
Hoookay, what've got now? Low end $90,000 High end, $180,000. Still a looooong way from $600,000!
Of course there are other expenses, rail ties, some grunt labor (which some railfans would donate just to say they'd helped move a big boy), so another $10,000 to $20,000.
So, what am I missing?? What is the rest of the story here??
S'
David Dewey-thinking narrow-mindedly--does that qualify for something Narrow Gauge in this post??
PPS--The sooner this equipment gets into protected storage the better!