Hi Rod,
That would be great if the Sonoma could be put back in operation. Unfortunately, if I were to hazard a guess, I do not think the CSRM would do it because of the enormous rebuild that would be necessary. There are major issues with the boiler, cylinders and tender. It could be done, but in California's present financial condition it is not likely.
However.......back in 2000 I did have Eureka at the CSRM for their 25th (I think) anniversary. Two locomotives were brought in: a new SD90 from Union Pacific and Eureka. It was an evening black tie affair in the museum and they had me position Eureka on the turntable. The big doors were open during the gala while we sat out on the table under steam, headlamp glowing, cab lights flickering and the engine sparkling under the moonlight. It was really a great backdrop for the event. After a while I thought this was nuts sitting out on the table and we wanted to be in the party. I asked Cathy Taylor if I could run Eureka into the roundhouse among all the guests. She said yes. So, I aligned the table, got everyone our of the way, and ran Eureka right into the middle of the event. Tha crowd loved it and so did we. The really neat thing about it was you could step back into the museum and see Eureka and Sonoma together in the same view. It was quite a sight.
Now........if they could BOTH be under steam. WOW !