The line remains largely volunteer-operated and an extension of another two-and-a-half miles to Corwen is planned with the long-term aim being the link back to the mainline network at Ruabon.
Similarly, Senator Jim Talent - whose position on the Armed Services Committee afforded him significant influence on this issue - is to be applauded for his leadership in ensuring the extension of the C-17's production line.
Now Congress seems interested in bringing back those tax extenders (expensing, credits, AMT patch and more) and tagging them on to the explosive Bush tax cut extension debate, which is shaping up as a key battle-line vote before the midterm elections in November.
And investments, including the Underground's current star project, the Jubilee Line extension, have sometimes been guided more by political considerations than by careful cost-benefit analysis.