I am a member of GGRM and PLA. There are many GGRM members that would prefer GGRM to stay, and I believe a number of these members will stay active with the PLA when the GGRM leaves.

My understanding is that the GGRM leadership has a different vision for their collection then they believe can be supported in Niles Canyon. I have heard this includes a desire to operate mainline steam excursions over longer distances. Others that know more than me have said this includes the desire to run on the larger railroads as they once did on the SP and Caltrain.

I had heard GGRM received a very generous bequest some years ago. I'd love to see that money go into the equipment and expanded restoration/storage/display facilities in Niles and/or Brightside, but I am afraid this move is going to eat up a lot of it. Is this a good use of the money? Looks like we'll see.

The GGRM board is elected, but as far as I can tell, they've never explicitly campaigned on a "stay" or "leave" platform, and yes, very few people bother to run. There has also never been a referendum on the question.

The GGRM board thinks they are doing what's best for the collection, and I wish them luck, even though, yes, I wish they'd stay.