Much has been said about the events leading to the last run of the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Although the railroad was a First Class operation with excellent equipment and an excellent safety record, we tend to focus on the equipment and not on the employees who have been let go with nothing but memories to show for 30 years of dedicated, hard work. The actions of the Colorado State Historical Society (CHS) are a slap in the face to these folks who worked so hard for all those years to provide a quality experience to the travelling public. The employees are out of a job as of October 3.

The actions of the Colorado State Historical society show them to be gross mis-managers of the public trust. This is the first time in the history of railroading where a profitable, well-managed, and popular operation has been deliberately abandoned. The new out-of-state operator has no locomotives, no rolling stock, and no mountain railroading experience. One can specualte about the motives, but I'm sure if the money trail were followed, greed would have to be recognized.

The CHS is funded by tax money and other public and private contributions. It is the feeling of many in Colorado that it is time to return material in the public trust to the public, including the Georgetown Loop property.

Do not think that you will be able to travel to Colorado and ride over the high bridge next year. That is in the past, as are the steam operations. You are, however, guaranteed to be able to see that stupid blue Thomas thing.

Eddy Sand
Bailey, Colorado

[quote="Lightning Slinger"]The actions of the Colorado State Historical society show them to be gross mis-managers of the public trust. This is the first time in the history of railroading where a profitable, well-managed, and popular operation has been deliberately abandoned. The new out-of-state operator has no locomotives, no rolling stock, and no mountain railroading experience. One can specualte about the motives, but I'm sure if the money trail were followed, greed would have to be recognized.[/quote]

The greed angle is interesting. CHS is not so naive to think that GLRR's successor operation will generate revenue amounts anywhere near that of the Asby's/Greska's, the new operating agreement notwithstanding. That so, then how would CHS's financial penchant be satisfied?

As a former employee and constant friend of Lindsey Ashby I personally regret they are no longer operating the Loop. In all fairness, however, it must be understood that he made a business decision not to take an active role in the bidding process after their "first refusal" meetings were ended without resolution. While I selfishly regret Lindsey's decision, I respect him so I must respect his position (which has not been publicly articulated) not to take part in the process. It is easy to simply point a finger at CHS and lob any array of accusations or unfounded motivations in their direction, but this was a business based contract negotiation between two organizations which grew, the possible conflicts between some people involved in either notwithstanding.

Seems we as an industry can now best respond by doing what we can to assure that the new operator can build a strong and enjoyable operation, and to wish the Ashby's the best in whatever their new direction may be. I for one wish Railstar well as they start a difficult process with little enough time to get the job done.

dave

[quote="Dave"]Seems we as an industry can now best respond by doing what we can to assure that the new operator can build a strong and enjoyable operation, and to wish the Ashby's the best in whatever their new direction may be. I for one wish Railstar well as they start a difficult process with little enough time to get the job done.[/quote]

A point well-made. Actually, in retrospect, the Ashbys faced rather similar challenges getting the GLRR operation going...even more so, considering the Loop reconstruction that was accomplished.