Seeing Southern Pacific 2472 running in Niles Canyon was a dream come true. An SP passenger Pacific running on a restored portion of old SP mainline was an SP steam fan's paradise. Looking at the hundreds of videos of the runs, and you see nothing but smiles all around, and visitors and volunteers having a blast.

So why would anyone want to tamper with a good thing that is mutually beneficial to both groups?

The goal of the Golden Gate RR Museum to run more mainline excursions is troubling to me. Maybe they want to be a Santa Fe 3751-type operation? Running mainline excursions seems risky and unpredictable. I think it may not be a sustainable business plan. The grass may be greener on a mainline railroad, but it is probably harder to mow.

The move to Schellville is intriguing, but it sounds like 2472 will not be in a covered shop which is troubling.

I hope the move to the NWP surprises me and all turns out to be wonderful. But for now I am just sorry to see such a good thing ending in Niles Canyon.