Jackson,
I find it interesting that you would mention me since I have not responded to the last two lenghty CHS/GTL threads whatsoever. But since you sucked me in, I'll state my opinion.
For what it's worth, the Georgetown Loop RR equipment that was operated by the Ashbys was just that... operated, it made money for its owners and provided a service to the public, even if it was a tourist railroad. Remember, if it was not popular or wanted, it would have closed in 1979 due to lack of ridership. So this equipment, no matter where it hailed from (California, Hawaii, Philadelphia by way of South America, or Erie, New York), earned its way in Colorado and made a place for itself in Colorado History.
The 111, however, is another story. The 111 never operated a revenue mile, 1/2 mile or 1/4 mile in Colorado in all its time here. It is as historically significant as the fake 71 (former Mexican Loco) in Black Hawk. To give it National Register status is nothing more than a ploy by the CHS to legigimize its position, once again... in my opinion.
No, the converted High-side gons on the Loop never operated there, BUT... They were close enough to the former C&S equipment (with the top boards removed) to be legitimate stand-ins. The C&S never owned anything close to the D&RGW drop bottom equipment. The ex-Chicago RR fair equipment that the GTLRR operated was built by the D&RGW and C&S for the Chicago Railroad Fair and was hauled by both the 268 and the 9. As for the rest of the equipment, it is up to the individual to decide.
I agree with Ron Rudnik's post about the oldest passenger car in Colorado being crushed. If the CHS would not have alienated most of the railfan community in Colorado, they may have been able to step in and save it. Jason tried, and has been successful in other instances, but since 2000 we have seen the last remaining C&S passenger equipment destroyed with nary a nod from the CHS. Personally, I hate to see it, but I can understand why. Why delay the construction of a mega-buck subdivision for a couple of lousy sheds? It's easier to claim that you had a brain fart and forgot than to delay clearing the ground for the all important front end loaders from Hell. Perhaps with the CHS involved, there may have been an injunction or something that could have been done. Too bad that they didn't care enough, on either end.
I worked in Silver Plume when the line was just being born and feel a real affinity to it. I remember the resistance from Silver Plume and the encouragement from Georgetown. I feel truly sorry for the folks in Clear Creek County that their livelihoods are subject to the capricious behavior of the CHS and HGI, but there is little that I can do about it except commiserate and empathize.
As for writing the CHS and Governor Owens or any of his staff? Why? I have no vote in Colorado and my letters would be of no interest to any politician.
So what and I left with? I am left with this forum to state my views and hope like Hell that they are found reasonable and if not reasonable, at least supportive to those who are being hurt by the CHS in this ill advised and very costly political positioning.
It is a sad image to see such a good, wholesome and popular attraction being dismantled by a few recalcitrant miscreants as those leading the CHS board. I truly feel sorry for the people in Georgetown and the Clear Creek Valley who are caught in the middle of this vendetta.
Rick Steele
