Re: Is a replica the answer?

Since spending cubic money seems to be no problem for the CHS, let's take this in a different direction.

Hire the company that built the replicas of the Jupiter and the 119 at Promontory National Park to rebuild some C&S motive power.

Since oil burning seems to be a specification, why not build a replica of the #70.

This would provide a truly "authentica replica" of the only REAL oil burner to grace the rails of the C&S operation and while the 70 may never have run on the real loop as an oil burner, it was tied to the Clear Creek branch its last few years in Colorado before heading out to the White Pass where it finished its operational years.

This way, the CHS and the Loop get a BRAND NEW piece of motive power that is at least a relica of a real C&S locomotive that did operate on the Clear Creek branch.

How much would a brand new relica cost? Seriously folks, what is the difference between a replica and a complete rebuild of an existing locomotive that may, or may not, be up to the task of operating on the Loop. This way, the locomotive is built to the latest boiler codes, the most modern materials, etc. Is there a reputable company still in business that could undertake this task?

Since more than one locomotive is ideal and if replicas are going to be funded, the second replica could be an Argentine Central shay.

Over time, this might be a much more cost efficient approach instead of rebuilding hulks that are too small to do the job. I don't know enough about accounting and actual railroading to know if this is certain, but would like to know from those who do understand these things.