KRK,
Not having been there in some time, I wasn't aware of the locked gates--I assume this has 'derailed' use of the old Ed St. John property? The place grew much larger since I've been there.
I suspect (not being "in the know" of local politics) that getting the zoning change is critical to solving the NIMBY problems. Train Mountain is a Live Steam venue of international significance. Currently my 'steam' priorities are to getting the Steamboat Delta Queen back operating on the rivers--and with my present 'income' (i.e. lack of it) I will likely never get to ride her again, even if we are successful; that doesn't mean I can't help so future generations can enjoy the experience. To keep any steam operation going, we are going to have to think out of the envelope and make steam relevant to enough young people to pass on the knowledge and appreciation of it, or steam will go the way of the dinosaurs.
David Dewey
PS Think I've started a thread drift, sorry!