Moving forward: a sentimental journey with modern-day problems.

• Author: Whitesides, Hilary Ingoldsby
• Position: Lessons Learned

For almost 20 years, tourists and locals alike have traveled back in time with the Heber Valley Railroad. Despite the railroad's historic charm, however, the problems it faces are in every way products of a present day crisis.

The mission of the reincarnated railroad is the same today as it was in its inception in the early 1990s: to preserve history, provide entertainment and drive economic growth for the community and state. But, unfortunately, some of its struggles are the same as well.

According to Executive Director Craig Lacey, when the railroad started up again in 1992 as a state agency, it was given $1 million in seed money to buy surplus engines and cars. With the high cost of train equipment, it was difficult from day one for the Heber Valley Railroad to get on top.

Just as the railroad was starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, it was presented with a new crisis--worn out equipment that needed to be replaced or repaired to pass stricter federal regulations. With new train cars costing up to $80,000 each and steam engines costing even more, Lacey and his team knew they needed a long-term financial solution.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In 2005, the team decided to expand their shop facilities--including a huge electrical upgrade--to allow them to perform their own extensive train repairs, including an overhaul of their 103-year-old steam engines. Things were looking up as the railroad started to use the improved steam engines and pay off the debt it incurred in the shop expansion--and then the bottom fell out of the national economy, with tourism taking one of the hardest hits. Heber Valley Railroad found itself struggling financially once again.

Whatever it Takes

Lacey, a long-time train enthusiast and champion of the Heber Valley Railroad, decided to do whatever it took to keep the railroad up and running. And the other 15 full-time employees and 100+ seasonal/part-time employees and volunteers jumped right on board with him.

Brainstorming creative ways to stay in business, Lacey realized that there was likely untapped potential in the expanded and improved shop space. Not only did the company have the space to fix trains, but if they could acquire the machinery--including machinery that can bend and cut steel--the shop team could completely refurbish and even manufacture train engines and cars. After all, if they couldn't afford new engines and cars, perhaps they could repair old ones.

"There is so little margin in this...