Save the C&TSRR 483I just added some more artwork (drafts) for gift items.Click on the link below if you want to see it.Save 483..http://drgw483.net/artworkgiftitems/artworkgiftitems.html

With all due respect for this effort, I think this is a mis-use of the term save. The locomotive has already been saved from the scrap - what you are doing is returning it to service. I think that many individuals who contribute to railroad preservation projects already suffer from sympathy fatigue - and making our fundraising efforts more dramatic than they need to be only adds to the problem.Tom Cornillie

I respectfully disagree.The way it looks today the best word I can think of is SAVE

The way it looks today? It looks like it's within a few yards of the world's finest K36 restoration shop, the shop that's restored one K36 each of the last 3 years. The C&TS is being operated by an organization that is steadily improving the railroad's equipment and facilities. 483 will probably run again in 2 years. And those who kissed their first girl in 483's cab will have great rushes of nostalgia.

Tom,I agree the terminology is what is having a problem here.I think that most would agree that a steam engine in a railroad museum has been saved.But, once there what is the best thing to do with it to sell the its story and history of the people and places it was involved in.In museums, Restoration is picking a time period and adding or removing the pieces that do not fit into that period. Based on good research and photography.Now this museum, the C&TS, has choosen to operate its steam engines. This can mean anything from putting a Diesel in the center of the former boiler to doing in-kind replacement of parts and reviting rather than welding the repaired parts. Happily for preservation they do it the historic way!Roger, I think that your interest in D&RGW is well placed. There are a higher number of their engines operating than just about any other narrow gauge railroad that I can think of. I have worked for a government run museum for more than twenty years and I have learned things take time to happen. But they do happen!. just keep watching the weekly reports from the Chama shop and the friends reports from their site!Ted Miles, who is going to ride the line again in September.

D&RGW 483 July 2005I was thinking about the 483 this morning and decided to go get some pictures.22 photos available. Follow the link below to Photo Gallery.I am guessing this will be a challenge to the C&TSRR shops.preview photo..D&RGW 483..http://www.drgw483.net/

Clearly there is a lot of work needed, but I wonder if this really is a “big challenge” to the very capable shop crews at Chama. While it looks bad to a visitor, what I am seeing is a loco which has been uncoupled from its tender, had its jacket and appliances removed, the vitamin A mitigated, and is waiting for the needed work to return it to service. Its probably way ahead of most park engines. Additionally it is at a facility with a proven track record of significant loco rebuilding, and lots of experiance on this class of loco.The real work needed is invisible, frame, axle boxes, valve gear, and what ever work the boiler needs. There may also be issues related to appliances, and bits and pieces that have been used for the other locos that now need to be addressed. Of course, for all projects of this magnitude cubic dollars are required. I wouldn’t use the word “save” for this loco, but I applaud your fund raising efforts, and understand the need to create a crisis to gain the funding.