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

I mentioned the D&SNG's interest in leasing equipment for 99 years at $1.00 per year, and that would be to the historical society in Silverton and possibly the one in Durango as well. Both are 501(c)3 organizations. A lease that long is essentially the same as ownership. And certainly it is not intended to be for equipment used by the railroad in its daily operations. They did express an interest in using some of this leased equipment if the need arose, which I think would be great, like for movie use or for shooting commercials, and it would be a lease-back thing at much the same rates. The validity of such an effort is in saving equipment in its home location where it belongs.
I think the East Broad Top is privately run and certainly most of the operation of the C&TS has been by private, for profit operators, though the bulk of the equipment is in governmental ownership. As much as money that is needed, is also muscle power and time--I've done my dues on the C&TS (1970) and even helped out in Golden on one volunteer work day. But the railroad that interests me the most and maybe some others is the one that is in our own backyard, a few minutes walk from my home, and that just happens to be the D&SNG.