I saw the actually plan maybe 35 years ago at Laws. They did propose using the former "Red Apple" grade to Bishop, but there were some issues. The airport runway was built over the grade, so a new line skirting the airport would have to be graded. The destination was to enter Bishop and build a station in the park near US395. There was preliminary approval from all landowners and agencies involved, though I would imagine all of that would have to be revisited and more restrictions/considerations would now apply.

As I recall, due to the expected expense of restoring the actual equipment to restoration, and the cost of building a bridge over the Owens River heavy enough to support it, the line was still supposed to be 36" gauge(?), but they were going to buy new amusement park type engines and passenger cars. It seems there was a Crown Products brochure attached as an example.

You have to remember that the railroad and train are just part of the Bishop Historical Society's interests. There is a rail subgroup now, responsible for making the DV car operable (but an update mechanical system, so not a true restoration), and maybe the birdcage water tank (which is historically inexcusable in my opinion).


By contrast, the Carson and Colorado Railway (SP #18 group) has only the railroad as its primary interest. They do own the former Kearsarge station site - http://carsoncolorado.com/other-projects/kearsarge-station/ They are trying to create a museum site and enginehouse. I know it involves the Eastern California Museum, but not sure if it includes the existing park site or connecting them by rail. http://carsoncolorado.com/other-projects/museum-proposal/