Actually I don't think you guys are correct on this one. If I am not wrong(and I am a considerable amount of the time), the Rotary OY and OM do not fall under the same mandates as the FRA has for regular passenger hauling engines in daily service. Something about falling under state laws I think. Again, someone correct me if I am wrong on this. I think the OY could run with some normal maintanence, whatever that might be.
Now the better question is, why would they want to run it, given that it cost the operators about $1OK per day to operate these snow removal trains, and that was in 1993. Point is that its a big money loser to run the thing to clear the line(especially after the long winter).
My suggestion would be to keep the line open through more regular use, and means other than using the Rotary. If business got so good that they really needed to use the Rotary, then great!!
I guess my feeling is to make the season a little longer, in which case it is easier to keep the line open if you have the place operational to start with. Starting it up in the spring with snow removal is much harder as we have seen in previous snow removal years. Fun to watch, but not for the crews nor the pocketbook of the railroad.
Greg
[www.gregschollvideo.com]