How about a sample letter, with appropriate recipients, which we could paraphrase? My guess is that once CHS does some further investigation, they will come to their senses. I know the Ashbys have had trouble with them for years. It's been somewhat of a switch, with the for-profit tourist RR operator wanting more authenticity than the historical society has.

> What can we do, Stephen? Who do we write to
> and what are the talking points you suggest?


ryarger@rypn.org

> What does CHS expect to gain from this? Wait
> till they see the bids other operators give
> them!

Clarify...is CHS actually thinking of considering bids from other than Ashby?

> I wonder if Mr. Ashbey would move his
> equipment out to the
> "Gorge"......all he would need is
> a third rail down the line..

I'd think not, considering his interest in historicity. The equipment at GLR reflects "preservation-in-kind" emphasis on the Loop and associated railroads. The Shays recall operations of the Argentine Central. There is at least one "tourist car" from the DL&G, correct? Not to mention one original Loop engine, C&S #9.

(Forgive any inaccuracies in my recollections)

hi_plain@yahoo.com

> Clarify...is CHS actually thinking of
> considering bids from other than Ashby?

I am not sure that they are, because, as we have found, some of the information printed in the newspaper article was not accurate at all. Perhaps the statement that they may consider another operator slipped due to frustration while talking to reporters, who knows. Although it may be true that the CHS is looking into other possible operators, I think that they will find in short time that there are very few who would have the "qualifications", meaning the capital or equipment that would be needed if Lindsey were to pull out.

Shane

dcs310@comcast.net

The are in FACT seeking bids from others. Which begs the question, is there anyone out there with a narrow gauge "kit" that could be brought in?

jasonsobczynski@yahoo.com

> There are not all that many horizontal miles
> but the vertical mileage is pretty
> impressive.

The State of Colorado is
> responsible for large capital expenses to
> the fixed plant (if I correctly recall). My
> guess is there may be some disagreement
> about what is a capital investment as
> opposed to maintenence, but I have no
> specific insight into the current situation.

Is the Colorado Historical Society a state government agency or a non-profit, or a combination government/private entity, or what?

When I posted above, I stated that I work for the Georgetown Loop, so by no means are these letters on your screen official anything.

I worked at the Silver Plume shop today and we were requested to make no comment to visitors about this situation. It has become serious and the guys in the shop were all feeling down about the situation. Nobody said much about it, as CHS milled about outside in the yards.

It is real and there's a very good chance CHS could spite themselves with this matter. Einstein is quoted as saying, "The only thing infinite is peoples stupidity". A lot of money is going to be wasted in squabbling about this. Probably enough money to restore a locomotive or two (# 9 and # 44 come to mind). Better to spend this in the courtroom than the shop floor? If you're reading this, don't believe that, and know the proper people to contact to help, please do.

The equipment owned by Lindsey will go away if this unravels, no doubt. It has earned it's keep here and there's no mention or idea where it would go. Considering Tennessee Pass is a bridge line for a Class 1 railroad, narrow gauge will not go to the Gorge.

As for Silver Plume ... their majority opposes the railroad and see it as a major inconvenience to a different style of living. Residents are unpleasant to railroad workers and railroad management. Silver Plume systematically got rid of tourist type businesses over the years to keep it a less intrusive town. Plume is one more obstacle to operating a historic steam train.

There's going to be a major shift for GLR this year, with anything possible. Best hope is that it works out to continue what has proven to be a successful formula.

Until then, come for a ride. Ya never know when history repeats.

domino_p@yahoo.com

> The State of Colorado is

> Is the Colorado Historical Society a state
> government agency or a non-profit, or a
> combination government/private entity, or
> what?

State government agency within the Department of Higher Education

eledbetter@rypn.org