William, I will try to answer your thoughts about Rio Grande on the D&S, but its just my view.
First the C&TS is a state-owned operation saved by mostly railfans so in my mind it warrants more historically correct lettering on former "Real" equipment...ie engines, etc. Thanksfully the FRIENDS of C&TS have seen to it that most of the freight cars are Rio Grande, and restored as best as possible, so at least there is some effort. A little more effort and we can be 100% there, with engines, and logos on tanks and buildings. This would be really cool in my mind, and make the rairoad so much more attractive to the fans, as well as to push the historical value to the tourists.
Now for the D&S. First we must look at History. The Durango to Silverton branch was Rio Grande until 1980 when it was bought by Charles Bradshaw. It was then named the Durango and Silverton, a logical choice of names. Rio Grande was still a railroad operation, so a new name had to be chosen.
Under Bradshaw, the Rio Grande name was pretty much non-existant for several years, although he did a fantastic job of upgrading the line, bridges, and getting new power to operated among other things.
Now enter the new owners(not sure of the date). You ARE SEEING MORE historically correct things appear now than during the Bradshaw era. There are things like the 472, and Bumblebee recreations, and the periodic photo specials during the course of the year, where engines are lettered historically RIO GRANDE.
It would be neat if the D&S would letter their engines and historically correct passenger equipment Rio Grande, but I doubt you will see it.
Their name recognition is far superior than Cumbres and Toltec. However, they could probably still do well with Rio Grande, since they have a big customer base. Most people I know just refer to it as the Durango train, or the Silverton train.
So, to summerize, the D&S is a privately owned operation, and therefore they have the right to name it as they see fit. Thankfully we have seen a trend of SOME historical operations with the newer owners, and I look for more things in the future, with things like the 315 operations, and so forth.
Would be interesting to hear what some D&S folks have to say on the issue.
Greg Scholl
