"The train proceeds up the line over very smooth track that was obviously built and maintained using mechanized equipment, not hand labor like the C&S used"
The initial construction was by the Navy Seabees. From the potos I've seen (and the quality of the track they built), they didn't use much mechanized equipment. The track was not very level or straight when they finished. Over the years, improvements were made, mostly using hand-operated jacks, spike mauls, and aligning bars - in other words "hand labor like the C&S used." Pneumatic jack hammers were used on ocassion for driving spikes or tamping ballast (mostly on the new construction of the lower loop), but even that gives the same basic result of hand labor, and I wouldn't be surprised if the C&S had similar tools in later years. Ballast varied from gravel to native dirt, depending on available funds at the time - not unlike what the C&S would have done. I remember a lot of volunteer workdays where we did nothing but move ballast (mostly dirt) from where the Seabees used too much to where the track needed to be levelled. It seemed like it took several years to remove one big dip in the track above high fill (or is it Hi, Phil!).
"...as is the rail -- it is a much heavier weight.
If I recall correctly, the rail is 65-pound. The C&S laid 52-pound rail over the loop in 1907. Not really "much heavier," and not much bigger. For the same cross-sectional shape, the weight is proportional to the square of the height, so this rail is only about 12% higher than the 1907 rail. I'm sure that this is the rail that was available at the time. If they waited until a source of 52-pound rail was available, the line probably wouldn't have been re-built.
"The train passes over a few more bridges, none of which are C&S bridges. Assuming I remember correctly, one of these bridges used to be a turntable -- how historically correct is that?"
Actually, that turntable was reported to have been authentic - the last bridge used in that location in C&S days (installed by the C&S to replace a wood how truss bridge). Unfortunately, it was deemed unsafe, and replaced with a steel truss bridge that was supposed to look like the original wood truss bridge.
While I would like to ride an authentic C&S steam train from Denver to Gunnison, seing the area as it was in the 1880's, that is obviosly not possible. For any type of operation to exist today, it needs to generate enough revenue to justify its existance. This means that location needs to be convenient (even if not entirely authentic), it needs to be something a lot of people want to ride, and the people involved in construction and operation can't always take the time to research or implement all the historical details. I am glad to see Railstar at least trying to address some of the historical isues brought to their attention. The lettering was re-done much sooner than I expected, and in my opinion, made a huge leap toward the correct historical appearance of #9. Now Steven Torrico has indicated that they will be fitting the Ridgeway spark arrestor when they get time. For this operation to succeed, they first need to keep trains running in a safe manner, and then get people to ride. If they can improve the historical character as they go, then we should all be grateful.
Most historical projects have limited resources, and try to do the best with what they have. I have had varying involvement with reconstruction at the Alpine Tunnel, Boreas Pass, the Como Roundhouse, the Boulder display, and the Georgetown Loop (while it was operated by the previous company). In all cases, projects were carried out using resources that were available. In some cases, extra efforts were made (like the reproduction harp switchstands at Alpine Tunnel). But all of these projects took historical shortcuts (most of which I recognized as necessary, some I didn't agree with), and most of what has been accomplished would not have been without them.
We can't truly experience life on the railroads in the past (and most people probably wouldn't want to experience the hardships that were such a significant part of that life, let alone pay for the experience).
Operations like the GLR, C&TS and D&S give a feeling of the history through the sounds, smells and feel of the steam locomotives, and the terrain (or what's left of it) that they pass through. For some people, that will leave a lasting impression. Some will even visit the museums, research the histories, and eventually join into this group to applaud or criticize these operations. For others, it is just a train ride. All types are needed to keep it running.
