Not to get into an argument as it's probably a moot point but "Who would be nuts enough to want to deal with the CHS as overlord and master?" Also, the #12
isn't going to be up and running on a regular basis for three more years! The way they're beating it to death that poor little engine is going to need a complete rebuild sooner or later which will mean significant downtime (probably a season) and the #9 is an historic treasure that should
NOT be abused in the manner in which it was last season! The old girl will wear out even faster than the #12!
This leaves the #111 which should be large enough to do the job but when will it be ready and (most probably) it will then have to take the main duties while #12 gets a much needed overhaul! The #9 may still be down as the CHS doesn't seem to have near as much interest in it's proper restoration now that their funds are drying up! Maybe it will be put back together by 2009 and maybe not!
That WP&Y diesel that the CHS is counting on may not even fit on the Loop!! Even if it does (without destroying some historic cribbing and stonework in those cuts) it is still a diesel and as such is definitely "non-historic" and shouldn't be considered as anything but a back-up for emergencies!
Also, don't forget that Breckenridge expects an engine in return for the #111 and it sounds as if the #9 is supposed to be it! So where does that leave this potential operator?
Then, of course, comes all of the revenue sharing that the CHS has expected but has not been able to collect! If the operation were to become successful again do you really think that the CHS wouldn't try and get as much money out of the operation as possible? Of course, there's also the Georgetown merchants who are expecting revenue compensation as promised by the CHS...
So, who is it? Who is setting himself up to come in and save the day? Because you're right as I have NO idea to whom you refer!
