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Does the Texas State Railroad need public assistance? While I haven't visited them, everything that I have read suggests that they operate just like other for profit tourist railroads. They seem to place a very low priority on historic preservation - as evidenced by the fact that they do not seem to have any restored rolling stock and that it is modified to suit their needs. They also re-engined their Alco RS-2 with a caterpiller prime mover.

If I am incorrect with the above facts, please correct me.

However, All of this suggests that they should be able to make a profit, as many other privately operated tourist lines do.

If the Texas State Railroad was focused on equipment restoration and interpretation - which have a tremendous educational value but do not generate much revenue in themselves - then I would be in favor of their receiving public support. As it is now, I see no reason why the railroad shouldn't be privitazed.

Tom Cornillie

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The TSRR gets major funding from the state of Texas for items like re-building their steam locomotives. I don't think it is at all self-supporting.

Chris.

I have always been under the impression it was an economic development program, much like CATS in Colorado and New Mexico, but closer to civilization, and perhaps at least somewhat more likely to recover some of its operating costs.

dave