Concerning today's photos of the C&TSRR---while rebuilding the engines are wishful thinking--reality is that the C&TSRR is a bankrupt enterprise. While owned by the States of New Mexico and Colorado, they are, as a result of the economy, receiving zero dollars from the owners, and is existing on grants from donors. Ridership is down, (estimates range from 25% to 60%). Last year the trains were lead by a double-headed steam consist and had up to 14 cars. This year--one engine and about 5 to 7 cars. And this years trains are only about 2/3's full. And later this month--the special charter session of freight and passenger trains ARE NOT sold out. (But at a price of $500 in this economy, there should be no reason for them to be).
New Mexico is making cuts in everything from highways to education and still looking at a quarter-billion deficit. In Colorado, it is worse, but is being better managed.
2010 just maybe the last yearfor C&TSRR-barring a miracle--or privatization.