Re: C&S #9 Boiler - why not a RePliKa??

Karell et al -
Marc Smith of Eleanor P. (L&RP) used to talk about copies, reproductions and, if I remember right, RePliKas - the last being as accurate a reconstruction of the original as possible. For day-to-day use on the Loop, would it not be better for the CHS to have a very accurate RePliKa of #9 fabricated? By using the lastest methods and materials, they could have an engine that would hold up under the rigors of daily service while still preserving (what's left of) the original #9 as an historic entity. If the new boiler is going to cost somewhere between the low of $200,000 and the high of $450,000 quoted by other posters to this site, would it not make more sense to add another $150,000 to $250,000 of Central City Gambling Receipts for a new cab and tender, etc., that match the original as closely as possible, and all-new running gear - maybe even using roller bearings on the main axles - that would provide years of RELIABLE service if maintained properly? Of course it would make even more sense to build a RePliKa of #30/74, which would have more tractive effort than #9 ...
- Russo de los Locos