When the International Port of Coos Bay paid a contractor to reopen the line from Eugene to Coos Bay OR it cost them $31M, but that was for 131 miles of track, including several tunnels that needed to be lined. If it mostly just needs ties, and if the cribs for the old ties are the same size as modern ties so that they don't need to "scarify" the crib (using a device like a much-stronger roto-tiller), I would guess that the price outlined in the Railfan article is correct. I would bet that the FRA is just sending the signal that they want to see active attention paid to track maintenance in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP_HLVlx2tE

Hey... at this point I wouldn’t be surprised to see her at Strasburg or Steamtown.
Stranger things have happened in the past few years.. ha

Actually... at what point can B&O just take her back? Lol.

According to people I've talked with, about two years ago.

And................ mumble, whisper, "December 31st deadline," grumble, mumble................

If this line is owned by the state or any other governmental agency, there should be a lease agreement (or some other legal document) which would list any obligations of the state during the lease period. I would expect it would be the lessee's responsibility to maintain the track and to maintain any highway crossing protection. The state would also not want to be encumbered with hazardous disposal costs, such as cross ties. Also rail
removal/replacement should have been addressed. Is there a lease?

Trying to say the two are related?

I’d think a future capital campaign for some used track machinery may be in order with the mileage involved. If I recall, Class II track needs 6 good ties per 39’ stick for tangent and less than 2 degrees curvature. Eight for more than 2 degrees. That can add up to a lot of ties fast depending on overall condition.

I can surely attest to how slow it is to change out ties with a backhoe as shown in the article. If we get ten or twelve ties changed, spiked and tamped in a four hour stint in the morning, it’s a good day.

I wish them luck.

Class 2 track - 8 timber ties per 39-feet, with 9 required on any curve more than 2 degrees. Plus, there must be 1 tie centered within 24" of any joint, but that can be included in the 8/9. There then is also the "maintain gage, surface and alinement" that may require more.

Thank you for the correction. I was going by memory. I must have been thinking of Class I (nope, 5 & 6) or I’ve been away from it too long. I should look at my book first....

Well...if CSX ever wants to have their own steam program, I think I may know of a large C&O steam locomotive that MAY be available.

Would CSX want a non-roller bearing engine?

Would CSXT want or allow operation of an engine without a Generator Field Switch, if they still require 3 Step Protection?

Budd cars don't have a generator field switch, nor do electric MUs. I'm sure the CSX or FRA would (or already has) come up with some sort of alternative guidance re: three step.

3 step for steam where I worked was -

1 - Throttle off
2 - Reverser centered
3 - Cylinder cocks open

You are right that we're in a time when darned near anything can happen. You only to look at 1309 and UP 4014 in steam to see this is so.
Now, all that said, WMSR went to a lot of blood-sweat and tears to get her into steam for their own railroad's operation.
I couldn't imagine going to that trouble just to split revenue with Strasburg. "Restore it to running condition and they will come," is the mantra here. They won't be hurting for passengers once they can run trains with 1309 on point! I know a large group from UK and the EU planning a big cross-Atlantic trip to ride behind 1309 and see 4014 in action, delayed only by the lack of events to do both, at this time.