We shot it with #2 on the cab and front!!! It was made historical for the event! I only got a couple of short runbys but at least I saw it.
My whole contention with this point is the following.
There are FEW PLACES in the United States than can boast having the original steam locomotives operating on their original trackage. Two such places are well known, the Durango and Silverton, and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. These are important in steam history, since they were the last Class 1 railroad to operate steam in the United States. Technically the Rio Grande last operated freight in 1968, but Rio Grande Steam ops continued until 1980 with the Silverton Branch, and arguably they ran a couple of freight related trains during that time.
These two railroads unlike others out there to be seen, are unusual examples, and thus by showing the Rio Grande heritage it preserves a bit of history that was the end of an era in the United States. All these engines were built to run over these narrow gauge lines, and thankfully they are still doing it today, or at least most are.
I am not asking them to change the name of the railroads, or anything like that, but I can't for the life of me see a downside in historical lettering on locomotives, especially on the state owned and operated C&TS. The D&S is different, and they are a private business.
The new Alamosa engine can be whatever it wants cause its not historic to those lines anyway. We just enjoy it for what it is.
It just seems to me that a rare opportunity is being lost here, since this former D&RGW trackage and locomotives are so historical and were the last of a breed in regular service. I guess I just don't see a good arguement for why they are not doing this!!! Cost would be nil. Heck they just painted the 488 tender this year and the whole engine was relettered.
Extra engine paint 000.000 dollars
Extra engine lettering 000. dollars
extra employee time 000. dollars
Having historical appearance on historically correct operational locomotive = PRICELESS!!!
Greg
