To clarify, the "ownership" of the Cumbres & Toltec RR has never changed since 1977 when the bi-state agency, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, was created to act on behalf of the two states in overseeing the operation of the C&TSRR. (Prior to 1977 the states of NM & CO shared ownership without any joint commission/agency.)

http://commission.ctsrr.com/about/

What has changed over the years is the "operator" of the railroad. A series of different "contractors" operated the railroad for the Commission, the last being AHR. After the AHR backed out, the Commission formed their own operating agency, headed by John Bush, and that model has done quite well.

Thank you for clarifying. I tried digging up some info on the AHR era of the C&T, but since it lasted so short I couldn't get a solid source on much of the details in a quick Google search and was going off memory.

My reading of the press release seems to leave open the possibility of reopening the railroad once the current crisis has passed.

The tip off may be the phrase they used about communications with 'future' customers.

Bob H

I remember reading the only thing that is constant is change. Although this railroad is no longer operating I am sure there is a lot of people that would like to buy it. It is located next to a busy highway leading to a major tourist attraction (Mount Rainier). They have many steam locomotives including some rarities like the Climax, Heisler, and Shay. The railroad is still connected to active rail line. Trains were usually full in the Summer and the Christmas trains. Not sure what the agreement is with Tacoma Rail. I remember in the mid 2000's they were charging something like $3.50 per car per mile.

Interesting article indicates that the notice of permanent closure is fake. Who knows what to believe.

https://durangoherald.com/articles/3252 ... iU4-UFffpU

It’s interesting look up WFIM and check out who the board is, I’m sure someone somewhere in the government has something to say about that.

Latest update (source from Railfan and Railroad) says the railroad is going to be put up for sale: http://railfan.com/confusion-surrounds- ... 4pvRURVPXs

This thread has apparently ruffled a few feathers at AHR.

They've posted a story in the Durango Herald noting the shutdown is temporary.

https://durangoherald.com/articles/3252 ... washington

That was yesterday, this is today as posted on the Railfan rail news site:

Updated: May 20, 11:45 a.m. EST
The owner of Washington’s Mt. Rainier Railroad said Wednesday he is closing the tourist railroad for the “foreseeable future” and preparing to put it up for sale.
On Monday, American Heritage Railways announced on its website that it was closing the Mt. Rainier Railroad because of the “COVID-19 pandemic and other complications.” The announcement set off a series of conflicting rumors — fueled by the public release of an internal staff memo — that the railroad was being permanently closed. On Tuesday, owner Al Harper told a newspaper that the memo was fake and that the railroad would eventually resume operations. But on Wednesday, the company issued a press release clarifying its earlier announcement and stating that it was looking at selling the railroad.
“It is with great regret and sorrow we make this announcement today, as everyone associated with this historic railroad has worked extremely hard to make it prosper and delight guests from all over the world,” said John Harper, general manager of American Heritage Railways. “With still many financial and operational unknowns to work through, AHR will announce further details in the near future regarding its plans for the facility, including finding a new owner and overseeing the divestiture of its famed locomotives and other important infrastructure assets. In the meantime, we wish to thank all of our loyal employees and volunteers who helped us celebrate the rich industrial history of the Pacific Northwest’s late 19th and early 20th-century settlement and growth.”
American Heritage Railways purchased the Washington operation, previously known as the Mt. Rainier Scenic, in 2016. According to the press release, the railroad was in “disrepair” when American Heritage Railways took over and, despite significant financial investments into the property it has continued to struggle. In the past, the Washington operation was reliant on support from American Heritage’s other property, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In 2018, when the D&SNG was forced to shut down for more than a month due to a wildfire, the Washington operation also had to close. Officials said the coronavirus pandemic was the last straw for the Washington operation.
While numerous tourist railroads have canceled events or delayed operating schedules, Mt. Rainier appears to be the first major heritage operator to call it quits as a result of the pandemic.

Help me understand: who owns what at this property?
Is all the track leased from Tacoma Rail?
And who owns the engines and passenger equipment? And the structures? What physically does Al Harper's company own - if anything?

Thanks.

Thank you for posting that. It is always nice to get information straight from the horse's mouth.

That was yesterday. Today the railroad is for sale.

Wonder if Cass would be interested in the #2? That would give them one of every type of the major geared locomotives!

There's been further updates since. As they say in railroad timetables, "Subject to change without notice"