I thought "puppet masters" was going a bit too far! Lindsay Ashby is on the board for the CRRM? I would hope so seeing as how his experience is an invaluable asset!
As to the CRRM taking over the Loop.......as I said before, it'll never happen (but I wish it could!) Cooperation between the various organizations that preserve, restore, maintain and operate historic railroads (both steam and diesel) is the key to their survival!
As to Railstar, they may indeed be getting a raw deal but they went into this with eyes wide open! If they truly plan on running the GLR as it needs to be run (and if their choice of a General Manager is any indication they are!) then we need to support their endeavour! I'm just pessimistic about their success due to the fact that the CHS is actively trying to control things now ("puppet masters?" hmmmm........) and I have seen no reason to believe they are sincere in their efforts to continue Loop operations. In fact, this whole circus feels more like a CYA than any kind of coherent strategy!
I also am curious about Railstar's motivations for taking on an operation under contractual conditions that the GLR Inc. (which was already in place and with a solid infrastructure) felt was unworkable (at least if they wanted to make a profit!)
Now we hear that Railstar has defaulted on certain payments and even though they are now current the door has legally been opened for the city to "kick them out" in favor of selling very expensive waterfront property (and gleaning said property taxes!) I have to wonder about the whole situation!
Will I ride the Georgetown Loop under Railstar/CHS operations? That will entirely depend upon what I see come May! If there's a safety issue being raised that hasn't been answered to my satisfaction then no, I won't ride but it won't be due to my "loyalties" to the Ashbys. I wasn't an employee of GLR Inc. but I understand why the former employees decided not to work for Railstar and I support their decision! Me? I'm just a Railfan but make no mistake (for all of you CHS lurkers and shills out there) I will hold the CHS accountable for anything that goes wrong with the Georgetown Loop!