The probable outcome is end of the Yreka Western as a viable business. Stripped of a direct rail route to the north, YWs main customer will turn to trucks. With a majority of freight revenues gone, it's highly unlikely YW passenger operations would survive.

This would be a loss on many levels. The end for one of the few remaining shortlines in Northern California. The end of steam powered tourist passenger service. Most important (but unmentioned so far as this IS a railfan site), is the loss of jobs on the railroad along with yet another blow to the economy of an already depressed area. None of this shows up on the radar of Eastern hedge fund managers, they have their portfolios to protect...

Economics aside, the modern railroading scene becomes duller every day.

sda