Re: Positive Loop Speculation Wanted - Equipment? Replica?

In regards to your thoughts on leasing the ex-West Side Lumber number 9 to the current Georgetown Loop from the Midwest Central I have to comment on this statement. Where as we only operate around 15 days a year, we haul thousands of people during those times. On average our operating season see's around 45,000 to 60,000 passengers per year. We generally operate two passenger trains at all times. Being we only have three operating engines at this time, we only have one back up engine in case we have problems with either the 6 or the 9. Yes we do currently have our engine number 2 in the shop undergoing major overhaul and we are also currently evaluating the possibility of re-building our outside frame engine number 1. Leasing out the 9 at this time would seriously cripple our operation. Besides I would have a hard time trusting a piece of our American Heritage in the hands of a group who has shown their lack of ability to maintain and operate a steam locomotive. Steam locomotives are not toys, they must be treated with respect and love, if they are not given the respect and love they deserve they will bite. I think the current operators of the Loop are learning this the hard way. So it is not an option. I feel that the only solution to the Loop's problems is that the CHS needs to admit to their mistake, cut their losses and sit down with Lindsey and work out a solution to bring them back to Loop. I think it is sad that the CHS was so greedy to let this tragedy happen in the first place.


Matt Crull
President,
Midwest Central Railroad