Re: G-town Loop could face a state audit...

Jeff Badger Wrote:
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> What should really happen is a non-objective
> consultant familiar with steam preservation
> railroading come at the behest of the state and
> audit the whole shootin' match.

That sounds obvious, but I think it will never happen for two reasons:

(1) "Non-objective consultant"

Where the heck would the state get a "non-objective consultant" that really knows steam narrow gauge mountain railroading?

Start by considering in-state expertise. The C&TS is dependent on grants that come through the CHS, so they are out. The D&SNG has also benefitted from working on projects (including #315) that the CHS has funded, so they're probably out as well.

Strasburg (PA) has the technical expertise, but they are an industry supplier, competitor to Strasburg (CO), and also do a lot of work for the Golden museum whose board has included a GLRR, Inc. principal. They're out.

I'll try moving on to other tourist railroads... Sumpter Valley is out (supplier to CHS), as is Roaring Camp (GLRR, Inc alumnus works there), as is the Nevada Northern (another GLRR, Inc alumnus works there). The White Pass has multiple conflicts -- GLRR, Inc. alumni (including #40) have worked there while they have also (indirectly?) supplied coaches to the CHS.

(2) Reputation

Even if there is an objective consultant out there, I can not see why that person(s) would be willing to undertake an audit. He/she would be staking their reputation and putting industry connnections on the line.

--
Chris Webster
[www.speakeasy.org]