Thank you to all who are restoring the 1309 back into steam. Every group that puts a steam engine back in operation is to be commended.
I haven't restored any steam locomotives, but I have been on teams that have restored and upgraded worn-out jet aircraft taken from long term storage. There are traditionally lots of unknowns that cost money over budget when restoring complex machines, so I am empathetic to the need for more $$$ to complete the 1309.
As for most of the replies to the 1309's management, they are full of way too much pessimism.