I agree that it is a real shame that the rare equipment was burned. It was even in a fenced in purposively secure area. I wonder if those charged might have been a volunteer and had a key.
The Cape May Seashore Line also had trouble with vandals getting into RDC cars and wrecking seats and breaking windows at Rio Grande, NJ, and those cars had to be moved to Tuckahoe where the neighbors were more supportive.
What can be done considering a fire in the Chama Yard collection? Could the cars all be separated and put in a checkered-board pattern? Could heat sensors be placed around to catch the start of anyone lighting a match?