Re: The goal (my opinion)

Having contributed pix to the screen saver that Roger is selling on behalf of the 483, here are my thoughts.
The 483 deserves to be saved. By supporting the 483 fund we are saying that we think the engine is important. But because of its poor condition and the fact it has been stripped of parts over the years, it clearly will need much more work than other engines. Our contributions are unlikely to cover the entire cost of overhaul, but perhaps we can help cover the additional costs relative to other engines and perhaps be part of the match funding required for most government grants.
As important as the 483 is, the real goal is to save the railroad. Just as the earlier 483 funds were used for other purposes when the going got tough, I hope whatever is collected for the 483 will be used equally wisely. One of the things I learned while with RGRPC is the railroad tends to dictate for what and how much money is needed, and reality has a way of diverging from the best of plans. Earmarked funds can become a real limitation on good management. So fixing the 483 needs to be part of the grander efforts for keeping the railroad running.
But the 483 can use some extra attention because economics are not necessarily in its favor.
JBW