A few weeks ago I asked on the forum for West Coast train repair reccomendations,mostly in the So Cal area. I got a few leads but most, for one reason or another, didn't work out for my situation.
However, Chuck Sartor of Denver stepped up and said he had experience with the exact type of train I needed repaired (6-18009). Off it went to Denver, a few days later back it comes fixed better than new. He even included a little switch on the tender that changes the pitch of the whistle! Reasonable service charge, expert service, and an all around great experience...Thank you Chuck.
Needles to say, Denver is the new West Coast!