Re: Loop No. 12 broken axle?

To give Sammy D. a straight answer, C&S #9 operated on the Denver, South Park & Pacific and on the Georgetown Loop. In addition, Volume 2 of Dave Conrad's "Steam Locomotive Directory of North America (1988)" indicates #9's tractive effort is 16,351 lbs., enough power for steeper than 'almost level' operations.
On page 253 of the the same reference, GLHR #12's tractive effort is 15,400 lbs, again, enough power to operate on the Loop.
'George S.' stated: "It does imply that the line is ill prepared to handle operational difficulties. Closing the doors for days at a time is devasting to the line's reputation. Today, they have proven that they do not have what they need to make this a successful operation."
#1 - Look closely at the photo provided by Steve Torrico. It's remarkable the driver/axle separation didn't occur earlier. That separation is a near "Act of God"; seldom does an event of this magnitude occur. Remember also that #9 was was built in 1884, very recently restored, and is still in a 'shakedown mode'.
#2 - Railstar is doing the best they can with what they were provided. In spite of numerous stumbling blocks, Railstar and its employees have done an admirable job.
-Jim