Re: The San Juan returns *LINK* *PIC*

Bill and San Juan Friends:
I agree completely with the points Kevin and Greg Scholl made. Let’s get the Stuhr folks involved as they did a magnificent job on the F&CC coach restoration. Passenger car carpentry and mill work will require some new skills that the Friends can perhaps benefit from others who have been there and done that.
OK I am willing to put my money and time where my mouth is on this project to make it happen. In fact, I will even be so bold to suggest we can make it happen in the next 5 years. So here is what I propose. Starting with RPO #54 the Friends undertake a 5 year plan to return the San Juan to service. In fact I will further propose that the start up date and time for the train will be 8:05AM, on Tuesday Feb. 1, 2011 departing Antonito as train #215 the return trip will of course be subject to track and weather conditions. This leaves the weekend proceeding for John Craft and Greg Scholl to organize some flanger and freight turns to clear the line and make sure everything is clear for the return of the San Juan, 60 years to the day that it last operated.
This is not a joke. I am dead serious, and with backing from the Friends and C&TS commission we can make this restoration dove tail with building new historic coaches for the regular trains.
Let me know who, what and where to assist you in making this pipe dream a reality.
Rod Jensen