Well, from what I've gathered from looking online, it appears the fire is not a
complete disaster for the RR, but it IS a major setback. The town also is quite concerned (and rightfully so,) about loss of tourist $$'s as it has come to rely on the RR for bringing in tourists to that area.
So my assessment is that, while the event itself IS quite tragic, all is not lost, and that the town and it's merchants will step up to the plate, as well as the railfans already helping, and the trestle WILL be repaired...
...it's just a question of
when and how much $$ for repairs.
Fortunately the town sees the railroad as an asset, (thankfully,) and would seem to have some serious motivation to get the trains running through there again.
Not all tourist RR's can enjoy such a relationship with their locales. The C&T would seem to be quite fortunate in that area.
One question I've not seen answered or addressed, does the RR or the FOTC&T carry any kind of insurance against such an occurrence? If the trestle is, in fact, a national historic landmark, would federal $$ be available?
Questions, questions...
