Re: Friends of the D&SNG - a great idea

This is not a new idea, but one that was never encouraged by prior management of the railroad. I believe Matt Hutson approached the D&SNG under Bradshaw and was told no. Bradshaw had a rather possessive attitude--remember, one of his early actions was fencing the Durango yard. It had always been wide open, but that had its drawbacks as well. Most D&RGW artifacts were not obtained legally--I recall seeing a narrow gauge whistle at a foundry in Santa Rosa, Calif some years back, and the guy boasted of his misappropriation. Gosh, I can digress easily.
A friends group would be great. The group working on the 315 already has its hands full, but I'm sure there are others who would like to help out. Perhaps we can have a Siverton and Durango group, with both separate and joint efforts. But I'm afraid I have no idea how a group like this functions, or to its organization. I do know that Al Harper told me that he would be open to such a group, and that he would be pleased to work with a group towards the common goals of preservation of equipment. I'm willing to assist in any way I can.