seeing the progress the east broad top has made got me wondering would it be possible to rebuild the d&rgw monarch branch or marshall pass im sure many would donate and i would gladly volunteer as far as i know nothing has been built on the original row unlike chama to durango. this i probably the biggest pipe dream ever but would it be possible even just the switch back would be awesome
What would be the economic benefit of the necessary investment to return these or any other line to service.
So far, the country’s resident multi-billionaires have not seen fit to have a 1:1 ‘model’ railroad.
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i mean it would bring alot of tourism to the towns look at the cumbres and toltec only thing keeping chama and Antonio alive
Is there enough tourism to support three narrow gauge operations in close proximity to each other? Those two lines still had intact railbed, which cut down on costs. Where would you get the motive power to run the trains? I think the D&S, C&TS and the Huckleberry here in Michigan have all the old D&RG power.
the royal gorge has 499 i believe and c&t has 2 not running they probably dont want but i have no idea costs of restoration id think 499 would be in best condition the colorado railroad museum has some small d&rg power not in operation
I think that the Rio Grande Scenic out of Alamosa over Veta Pass going out of business indicates that the tourist train market is saturated.
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Don’t forget the Georgetown Loop operation. That’s 3 narrow gauge railroads already working.
Jeff
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Who owns the land? Would they donate or allow it? or what would it cost to buy?
Paul
since the railroad was abandoned and its on the side of the mountain id imagine its goverment owned
oh wow i had no ides that railroad went under
Doubt that the Tourist Market is larger than the ‘mineral market’ that brought all the narrow gauge lines to life in the first place.
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