That is a big question. First, I must admit that I have never visited the loop, but I think I understand the situation pretty well.
Railstar had many things against them one of the biggest, availably of the perfect locomotive(s) and equipment (perfect for that line running a tourist railroad). I was VERY impressed that they found what they did. The 2-6-2 that they did purchase was most likely the one locomotive available at the time close to operation... Also I give Railstar more credit for "knowing how to operate a mountain railroad" then most, as I received MANY calls (from a railstar representative) inquiring about our Shay 7 (ex New Mexico Lumber 7) trying desperately to purchase it. They knew they needed a lot tractive effort, and locomotives that they wouldn't beat up too bad on the hill.
Second, the time frame to the opening itself. They didn't have much time to put the whole thing together. I remember my first thought when I heard about this; I wondered (out load) "Who are they going to get and where are the locomotives going to come from!!!"
Another issue is knowing your equipment, meaning I have a sense of when we may need new flues or any other kind of running gear repair and try to schedule it in. Maintenance is like a jig saw puzzle you have to know when you can disassemble a locomotive as to not "get caught with your paints down" at the end or beginning of your operating season. Two locomotives forced down at once is everyone's worst nightmare. As for as the 12's axle breaking; who would have seen that coming???? Unless you've been intimately involved in the total restoration you can't just look at a locomotive and see that bad axle, I wish I could. During most of this the 12 was the only engine Railstar owned, running everyday must have really put a toll on the shop. Bottom line is they NEED more locomotives; I like to have 3 engines operational at all times. 2 ready for big weekends, 1 down for regular maintenance but you still need one more in for heavy overhaul. If Railstar had 3 or 4 locomotives of good size I think they could really do well.
Question: did the Ashby's have only the 2 Shays for the operation? I can't remember off hand.
As Railstar implements a maintenance schedule with the 2 locomotives, also maybe bringing more locomotives in would help things will get smoother.
Ted Rita
General Manger
Hesston Steam Museum
