Actually, I am interested in ALL of the engines (including 2-8-0's #40 and #44 as well as Shay #8). It's great that the CRRM is housing them currently but what is going to happen in the long run?
Ideally, it would be great if the Ashby's could find another railroad in need of their engines, rolling stock and experience somewhere here in Colorado. They have proven that they can run a 1st class operation successfully and profitably and we need them doing just that!
Barring this, if they can find a railroad in another state that could do their operation credit then I would wish them the very best! The main goal is to keep these beauties running for many more generations of railfans to enjoy and experience!
I know that Shay #8 is now considered only as a static display but it would be nice if the CRRM could display it as it would represent a significant (if somewhat more recent) era in Colorado's railroading history and should be so honored! This may not be feasible as I understand that #8 is in Canyon City on display and all of the other engines are either in running condition or are in pieces.
I'm saddened and sickened but not surprised by the situation. The CHS would like to pretend that THEY were the ones that conceived, built, maintained and ran the Georgetown Loop and that the "operators" (totally interchangeable) just ran some of their equipment at the sufferance of the CHS!
No matter what else happens I have a strong suspicion that the Ashby's won't be entering into any more agreements of the kind that they had with the CHS! This may limit them in their options but will ultimately give them more freedom to run "their" railroad the way they feel it needs to be run!