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Here is my take (for what it's worth - nothing).

I think that I would invest in some sort of "Geese" (i.e. some type of motor cars) to keep excursions going on the loop (i.e. revenue).

In the meantime, spend the money, time, and effort to get the locomotives (111, 9, 12, etc.) and rolling stock in first class condition - no stop-gap measures. In parallel, gather and extensively train crews in mountain railroading specific to the loop and on proper operation and maintenance of the equipment (including safety).

I have learned in my engineering experience that there comes a time when you have to stop putting patches upon patches, fixes upon fixes, and start over. Whether your effort pertains to equipment or software, it doesn't matter. Sometimes you just have to start over to have a good product. No more crap.

Don't put a locomotive or car into service until it is properly rebuilt, tested, and adjusted. If you are using contractors, hold their feet to the fire if they don't perform (but before hiring them, make sure they can do what needs to be done).

If the CHS want's to repair their tarnished reputation, they need to wipe the slate clean and do things right. Momentum is their greatest enemy.

History shows that a locomotive like #111 is better suited for loop operations. Make it the workhorse (but don't beat it to death) and use the 9 and 12 to fill the gaps (if 9 doesn't end up in Breck.) Get a shay somewhere (letter it for Argentine Central) as another workhorse.... darn, this is starting to sound familiar...........