RGS Remaining Equipment
RGSrr.info - Rio Grande Southern RR
RGS Remaining EquipmentRGSrr.info - Rio Grande Southern RR |
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This page is meant to document what's physically left of the RGS (and that's not much, unfortunately). I've tried to collect information, and link to photos and other information where possible. If you know of additional information, please email me at and I'll include it here.
In creating this page, I've been amazed at how much information is still available about the RGS, and the wealth of work others have done, some of which is linked below. The more research and info we can share, the more we'll learn about this fallen, but not forgotten, railroad.
About the photos - a few of the pictures referenced below are on the yahooGroups RGS page, and you need to be a member of the RGS mailing list to view them. That's a good idea anyway if you're interested in the RGS, and it's free. Go here to join.
| Locomotives Geese Rolling Stock,etc Structures Right-of-Way |
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| Name | Type | Build date / Use | Location | Pics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Lumber Co Shay #7 |
Lima 3T Shay
(more info) Photo history |
Built 11-1929
Last narrow-gauge Shay built Used on the New Mexico Lumber Co's branch from Dolores to McPhee |
Hesston Steam Museum La Porte County, IN This locomotive was owned (for a time) by the New Mexico Lumber Co, and served the McPhee branch off the RGS (at Dolores) during the time when NMLC owned and operated the mill and logging railroad at McPhee. This locomotive was used primarily to transfer cars between the RGS connection at Dolores and McPhee. Today, the locomotive is at the Hesston Steam Museum. Back in 1985, it was nearing the end of a restoration effort when an enginehouse fire damaged the locomotive and destroyed some of the restoration's work. It's been slowly undergoing restoration again, and finally (as of May 2006), Ted Rita from the museum reports that the re-rebuild is nearly complete, and that the Shay #7 should be operating by Labor Day of 2006. See the photo from May; painting is schedule for late May. Update July 24, 2006: The Shay has been steamed up on July 21st and run all day; only minor problems were discovered. The locomotive is being painted this month. W. George Cook had some additional history to report. He wrote "The woman who ran the General Store at McPhee once said that the shinny engine always sat in front of the shop building and did not run to the woods. In questioning her of the general size of the regular trains arriving at McPhee, she immediately said that the Shay once came in with 26 cars as they were clearing the mill yard when the mill was down. [This had to be in the summer of 1930]. She added the trains were not usually that large." "The engineer Mr. Green, who worked the line after the Shay departed, said the crews were fearful of using it as it was to heavy for the soft roadbed, and thought it would kill them in a roll over." "It was the last NG Shay built at Lima. Some used to say that Uintah #7 was the last NG Shay built but it has recently been discovered from the Service Department records that #7 was a rebuild on the frame of ex-URR #3. Atchee shop was able to do nearly anything but did not capture the record book for building the last NG Shay." Rick Henderson (of Shay Locomotives) adds that Uintah #3 (factory number sn-1513) was rebuilt as Unitah #7 in 1933. |
Builder's pic winter 06 pic Sep 06 pic Current pics Dedication pics |
| Engine 20 | Schenectady 4-6-0 | Built 1899 ex F&CC 20 "Portland" to RGS 1-14-1916 Used on last RGS run, never run at CRRM. to Rocky Mtn RR Club 7-24-52 to Strasburg PA for rebuild 10-7-06 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (display, but operational restoration in the works - see below) (running gear worn, boiler probably needs replacing) An interesting tidbit from a posting on the NGDF by Rick Steele on 8-31-04: "The RGS was trying to get all the mileage out of whatever it had. Example: When we took the main rod loose on the RGS 20 in Golden in 1966, we found that the main rod shims were not machined brass. They were Campbells Soup cans (we could still see the printing) that were flattened and used." July 2006: Restored!? Keith Goodrich, who volunteers at the CRRM, made a posting on the Goat that indicated #20 may be restored to operating condition. On 7-18, Jimmy Bluch (president of the Rocky Mtn RR Club) announced that the club has transferred ownership of the RGS #20, RGS business car "Rico" and D&RGW narrow gauge caboose 0578 to the Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation (aka the Colorado Railroad Museum), effective May 31, 2006. A phone call on 7-11-06 from the CRRM to the club informed them that a benefactor has provided funds for the restoration of #20 to operating condition. In addition funds are to go to the endowment fund for continued operation of #20 after restoration. A stipulation is that the work be done at Strasburg PA. Oct 2006: RGS 20 was on a long journey from Colorado to Strasburg PA, beset by truck breakdowns, transport permits, and other problems. It finally arrived around Oct 9th. Later, Mike Trent posted a more lengthy description of the news and #20's condition, saying the Rocky Mtn club never could afford insurance and had refused to consider restoration. But, when it donated the engine to the CRRM, that situation was changed. Mike writes: "As soon as the Museum assumed ownership, a donor gave the Museum $400,000.00 to restore it to operation and another $100,000.00 in an endowment fund to operate/maintain it." Mike also posted a detailed description of the condition: "Number 20 has a thin boiler section under the steam dome/corroded recessed rivets (coal had accumulated under the jacket portion under the dome the resulting acid had eaten away the metal). The fire box has been patched on both sides up to the second row of stay bolts. The welding is bad, it looks like a flock of crazed pigeons did the welding. Then there is 6+ inches of lateral play in the middle drivers. So bad 4x4's had to be laid inside/outside the track to keep the drivers from dropping on the dirt when it was pushed around the tight curves to it's current location. Bob Richardson told me in the last years of the RGS everytime the boiler inspector showed up in Ridgway, #20 would be out on the line, unable to be inspected." Keith Stamper visited recently (spring 07), and reported that #20's restoration would take about 3 years. Jul 2007: A recent posting on the RGS Yahoo group quoted Bob Pranskatis giving an updated status: "We got an invite into the shop to look at the parts of RGS #20 and speak with the restoration staff. Boiler is off and sitting on blocks stripped with many staybolts pulled. Will need major interior work on the boiler as well as the smokebox. Staff may recommend rolling a new smokebox, but understand the need to maintain as much of the original engine as possible. The chassis appears quite small with the boiler and cab off. All the original road grime and dirt/grease was still packed up into the frame and spring hangers. Funny, no one at CRRM ever gave that part of the engine a good cleaning and painting. The frame shows several breaks with bulky welding repairs, etc. The tender tank and frame was sitting outside on a Commonwealth 6-wheel passenger car truck. The whole thing still did not extend beyond that one truck - tiny! Staff speculate 2-4 years before it leaves in running condition. Said they could do it faster but that they primarily attend to it in spring and summer, and spend the fall/winter months repairing and maintaining their own three road engines." Nov 2007: Linn Moedinger wrote on the NG Disc list that "the smokebox is off, the 1st and 3rd courses are more or less round, the new shell plate is being rolled, weld tests are complete, mechanical tests on the 2nd course and crown are done, the front flue sheet will be replaced completely, the wasted portion of the 1st course in the smokebox has been cut out and a new piece made, the frame has been MT'd and PT'd, spring hanger is out for analysis (they are castings), driving and running gear stuff is pretty well cleaned up." Feb 2008: Linn Moedinger wrote on the NG Disc list that "#20 will have sections of the frame replaced on both sides to eliminate bad welds as verified by UT. Some welds behind the cylinders were repaired, but economically it is better to replace the frame sections which will require two welds each versus 8 or 9 welds to repair what is there. The door sheet and rear flue sheet forms are built and the door sheet will probably get flanged next week. We are still waiting for the 2nd course patch to arrive. The drivers have cracked spokes that will be brazed." Mar 2008: Linn Moedinger wrote on the NG Disc list that the new boiler patch - fixing a section dented years ago during a rollover - is being completed. See the link in the previous sentence for details and lots of photos. Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this locomotive. Repair details are available in Kelly Anderson's thread on the latest news from Strasburg. Modern Marvels - on the History channel - featured some shots of RGS 20's repairs, on a program aired 4-7-08. They apparently don't mention that the steam locomotive in question is the #20, but a close look at the hole in the boiler being repaired, and the type of ties being worked on makes it clear, to anyone who knows the #20. May 2008: As reported in CRRM's newsletter, Linn Moedinger writes: "We will be replacing the entire firebox for a couple of reasons. We found some more broken backhead braces which necessitated cutting out quite a few crown bolts to access the brace crows feet on the wrapper. We discovered that some of the threads in the crown sheet were deteriorated and we were unable to clean and inspect the remaining braces adequately so I decided it is best to cut out the whole box. Most of the side sheets are out now and the crown is next. The second course is welded on the side seam. The X-ray folks will shoot the weld so if there are any problems, we can avoid them on the top seam. The barrel is still holding shape within the allowable new tolerance. "We are very close to cutting the frame and have started laying out the box work. We will be making all new side rods. Upon grinding the defects, we discovered fairly extensive cracking that would take quite a bit of welding. Coupled with the undersize condition of some of the rod eyes, it was decided to make the new rods." Aug 2008: Linn Moedinger wrote and posted photos on the NG Disc list that the 2nd course patch is welded and x-rayed. Only the fillet welds remain to be put on the circ seams to restore the calking edges. The door and rear flue sheets are machined, and they expect to trial fit the door sheet soon. Work is also progressing on the driving boxes - four were not too bad but two were in need of a lot of welding. Erich has been working on getting frame dimensions and making drawings for the new frame rails. This was a time consuming process in that the equalizing system needed to be recreated in order to determine what shape the frame needed to be in areas that had been extensively modified in one fashion or another over the years. The rails arrived and will be completely machined prior to cutting the old sections out and welding the new ones in place. The frame will be quite a bit straighter when this is done. Here's a few more photos, more, and then another even more. Linn reports that the smokebox is too far gone and will be replaced (see this posting for a photo of the old one, now removed. |
CRRM pic
NGC: pic Bob Hyman: pic Travis: p1 p2 p3 Work photos: RGS list pics Keith's pics Linn's pics Ready for PA 7-22-06: CHRPA pics In PA at last 10-7-06!: Keith's pic Linn M 11-07: pics Linn M 3-08: pics |
| exact replica, wood, built by 20th Century Fox Studios |
Built 1949
ex-Emma A. Sweeney (film - Ticket to Tomahawk) ex-Hooterville Cannonball (TV show - Petticoat Junction) currently Amador Express |
Amador County Museum Jackson, CA (on display, after being purchased from owners in Sacramento,CA about 1979 and then recently restored) This replica had quite a life after the movie. It sat on Reservoir Hill in Durango for a while, and also on top of a hotel in Portland Oregon. It was used in the TV show Petticoat Junction. Apparently the last remodeling of this replica was done by the boys at the Preston reform school (near Jackson?). The blueprints for its construction actually still exist, on file at the Colorado RR Museum. Steven Torrico had some additional comments on the NGDF board. He said the director was big railfan, and that the studio spent $40,000 building the replica, intending it to be used for other films in the future. The appliances in the cab were mostly all real (for accuracy). Later on in the 1950s Fox sold the mock up to a guy that had a 1890s, gas light, "gay-ninety's" hotel in Portland, OR. called the Hoyt Hotel. The engine sat in the lobby of the hotel as a conversation piece. Later it was moved to out of doors for display. In the early 60's writer/producer Paul Henning sold a show to CBS - Beverly Hillbilly's. That was successful, and CBS let him do two other shows, one being Petticoat Jct (PJ) from 1963-1970, and the other Green Acres (coverted from a hit radio show). During production for PJ, while looking for a locomotive mock-up, someone remembered the Fox mock-up "Emma Sweeney", now located in Portland. Henning's production company, Filmways, offered to purchase the mock-up from Mr. Hoyt. No deal, but Hoyt did lend it to them in return for screen credit each week....thus the credit at the end of each PJ episode "Train furnished by the Hoyt Hotel, Portland, Oregon." The first two season on PJ were filmed in black & white and thus never were used in syndication. In 2005 MPI Media Group released a 3-disc DVD set featuring 20 restored episodes from the 1st season with triva-packed introductions by Linda Kaye Henning (Betty Jo Bradley) (who happens to be Paul Henning's daughter). The locomotive was used more in those first 2 seasons than in later ones. This DVD set is worth getting, the very first episode explains why the train is out there forgotten by the rest of the world. Steven asked Paul the ultimate PJ trivia question- what did the initials on the side of tender mean- "C&F.W. RAILROAD", and he said... "Why... Charlie & Floyds Wacky Railroad". After PJ the mock-up ended up in its current location in Jackson, CA. |
Old pic from the filming,
from the RGS Tech Pg
Russ F pic |
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| Engine 32 | Class 56 Baldwin 2-8-0 |
Built 1880 ex-D&RG 77 |
Boiler only at Tefft Spur sawmill site, below Silverton, at MP 478.02 on the
Durango & Silverton. It was part of the Rockwood Lumber Co,
(offices in Tacoma) and was built by Otto Mears in 1911 to cutting ties for rebuilding the washed out Silverton
line. Otto's two railroads out of Silverton, the Silverton RR and Silverton Northern RR, needed the D&RGW
Silverton branch restored as this was their only access to Durango.
Besides the sawmill boiler, the remains of two Silverton RR mail and combine cars (now only sawdust) were there to see, with other loose rails and junk, and many abandoned ties from the spur, a loading ramp and old sheds. Many loose rails are on the north bank of Cascade Creek near the ex walkway bridge. The old toll turnpike is very evident along the toe of the hill near the westside of the boiler and up past the switch into the main. The switch was a #10 size frog. |
NGC: pics |
| Engine 41 | C-19 Baldwin 2-8-0 |
Built 1881 To D&RG in 1881, as #409 To RGS in 1916, as #41 To Knott's Berry Farm 11/1951 |
Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA (operating!) |
Knotts pic
NGC page: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Steve E: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 Arthur's: pic Dave: pics YouTube videos: v1 v2 v3 |
| Engine 42 | C-17 Baldwin 2-8-0 |
Built 1887 ex-D&RG 420 To Narrow Gauge Motel Alamosa, CO 1953 To Magic Mtn Golden,CO 1958 To Durango & Silverton Durango, CO |
Durango & Silverton
Roundhouse Museum, Durango, CO (cosmetically restored) This was the last engine to operate over the RGS, and was used extensively during the scrapping operations. It was moved to the Narrow Gauge Motel at Alamosa CO in 1953, but was sold in 1958 to the Magic Mountain amusement park, shopped in Alamosa apparently, and moved to the park in Golden CO, where it operated until 1969. It moved around a bit more, but eventually landed in the roundhouse in Durango, on display. This is a pretty beat-up locomotive. John Coker writes: "The frame is reportedly broken in five places and welded back together. Also some very bad quarter-slip on one driver as well as extensive firebox work needed . Other RGS engines that are preserved reportedly have similar problems. I understand RGS 41 also has frame problems. I heard that this is attributed to the use of small engines to buck snow and their repeated use on maximum tonnage trains. Frame problems, especially, are very hard to deal with as the frame's near-perfection is crucial to the bearings running cool and lasting a while." See my Timeline for more details and pictures of #42 during her travels between the end of the RGS in 1952 and today. Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this locomotive. |
Dave: pic Rypn.org pics |
| Engine 74 (history) |
Brooks 2-8-0 | Built 1898 ex-DB&W 30 ex-C&Nw 30 ex-C&S 30 |
Strasburg, CO (being cosmetically restored) The tender now fully restored, locomotive abestos removed, hydro-tested in 1999, mech eval. in 2000. $7300 grant received in Dec '02 for an ultrasound, paint, and woodwork for the cab; plans are to at least investigate restoration to full operation. New cab windows were installed in Aug '02. An update from winter '04 reports more funding news, the results of ultrasonic testing (the boiler is repairable!), that new windows are installed, and that the sand dome & smokestack were shipped off for repair. Nov '04: #74 is still at Ulrich Locomotive Works in Strasburg, CO. It's been evaulated mechanically, and is restorable to operating condition for approx $255,000 and 2-3 years of work. The boiler is good, the running gear and frame very poor. The firebox needs wholesale replacement. Numerous cracks were found on the frame - probably from bucking snow on the C&S. Here's a few more photos, some from Sept 2005. Jul '05: The CHS has decided (see here) to restore #74 to operation, for use on the Georgetown Loop RR. The boiler has been removed; for a time anyway the tender is going to the Georgetown Loop's ex-C&S #9. Schedule is to complete #74's rebuild in 2006. CHS is considering using #74 on the loop because... well, it's a long story. See this photo essay for photos & more info. Here's some photos of the #74, in pieces now at Ulrich's. A more complete history is available on the RGS Tech Info pages. Oct '06: Ryan Shofner and Mike Trent posted (on the NG Disc Group" a few additional tidbits on 74's condition. Apparently 74's chassis is heavily damaged, costly to repair. The boiler is ok, but the firebox and spring rigging need complete replacement, the driver tires are worn very thin, and in general the locomotive is very worn out. Mike notes that the C&S retired this engine as completely used up in 1943, and then the RGS squeezed out it's last gasps in 1952. So - only a cosmetic restoration is planned. Apr 6/07: Jason Midyette writes that #74 is a very tired, worn out locomotive. Many parts would have had to have been replaced to make it operable, to the point that it would have been more of a replica than an original locomotive. It needs a new boiler, a new frame, has missing appliances, and a mechanical condition that includes several different sized springs in the rigging, broken drive boxes, non-existant hub liners and a majority of the pins in the brake a spring rigging that resemble camshafts. So, with the cosmetic restoration #74 will retain its original 1898 Brooks built boiler, frame, cyliders, drive wheel centers and side rods. Given its historical importance, it was decided that it was not worth throwing away 80% of the original locomotive to see the other 20% go up and down the track. #74 will get its tender back upon the completion of the locomotive's cosmetic restoration later this year. |
RGS Tech Pg: p1 p2 p3 NGC pics: p1 p2 Recent work: site1 |
| Engine 346 | C-19 Baldwin 2-8-0 |
Built 1881 ex-D&RG "Cumbres" ex-Montezuma Lumber Company |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (operating!) |
Dave: pic |
| Name | Type | Build date / Use | Location | Pics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goose 1 (replica) | Buick 20'=0" 5300 lb |
Org. built 6/1/31 Replica built 6/1/00 Prototype for other geese |
Ridgway Railway Museum Ridgway, CO (replica, operating) This Goose is operable, but due to insurance costs has been reduced to a static display at the Ridgway Museum. It did operate during Railfest 2000 for testing, and with passengers during Railfest 2001. Unfortunately with insurance changes due to an unrelated incident on the Durango & Silverton, this Goose can't afford the new policies and is no longer operating. Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this goose. |
Ridgway pics
Dave: pic Mario: pics Me 07: pic |
| Goose 2 | Pierce Arrow 32'-8" 10300 lb |
Built 8/12/31 Used for Ridgway/Telluride Used for Durango/Dolores |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (operating!) Parts from the dismantled Goose #1 and the San Cristobal goose were used to rebuild #2; these parts are identifiable; there's a panel on #2 that still says San Cristobal. A flanger brake cylinder was added by the Durango & Silverton (just before Railfest 1998), but this was far oversized for what was needed, and applied so much pressure that the truck frame twisted. Current work at CRRM includes replacing this cylinder with a truck Maxi-brake, well hidden to preserve the Goose's original appearance. A substantial rebuild was completed in April 2007, after nearly two years of work. Included are new power trucks w/new cast & machined wheels, new axles, a new brake system, a new drive line, and even a stop light feature for the rear red running lights. |
CRRM pic
Dave: p1 Bob Hyman: p1 p2 Travis: pic Mario: p1 p2 Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 |
| Goose 3 | Wayne Bus Co 43'-3" 14800 lb |
Built 12/2/31 | Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA (operating!) The RGS replaced the orginal engine with a 261cc GMC engine. Approx 1953, Knott's replaced this with a 346cc Reo engine. In 1997, Knott's rebuilt the Goose again, replacing the Reo engine with a Cummins diesel engine (for reliability). Knott's donated the old 346cc Reo engine to Dolores, for help in restoring Goose #5. |
NGC page: p1 p2 p3 Dave: p1 Steve E: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 |
| Goose 4 | Wayne Bus Co 43'-3" 14950 lb |
Built 5/4/32 | Ridgway Museum (temporarily, for cosmetic restoration) Owned (or just managed?) by the Telluride Volunteer Fire Dept Telluride, CO (display, fair shape) The RGS replaced the orginal engine with a 261cc GMC engine. Fritz Klinke writes that Goose #4 is owned by the Telluride Volunteer Fire Department, who maintain it as a civic responsibility. It sits on the grounds of the county courthouse. The county is looking at that site for possible underground expansion of the courthouse. A space and utilization study of the courthouse is presently (2/04) underway. Phase I of a restoration of the courthouse is about to start. There are several discussions taking place on what may happen to the Goose, but it is not leaving San Miguel county as far as I know. There is a new county historical group that has formed, and their first area of concern has been the stabilization of the San Bernardo mill building (south of Ophir), with the hope of acquiring that structure. With that site is a fair chunk of RGS main line, adjacent to the highway. I picture ties, rails, and an operating Goose at that location. Presently, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has contracted with us to do initial structural stabilization of that structure, and we are about half way complete on that work. 
On May 29th, 2008 Goose 4 was moved to Ridgway for cosmetic restoration, to take place over the next 3
years. There's more details here.
Here's a Ridgway Museum photo of Goose 4 and other photos from the Museum. |
Camp Talk pics
Dave: p1 Galloping Goose HS pic RGS map pic NG Disc pic |
| Goose 5 | Wayne Bus Co 43'-3" 14770 lb Transmission: 4-speed manual, truck type |
Built 6/8/33 | Dolores,CO (operating - Goose Hist Soc) The RGS replaced the orginal engine with a 261cc GMC engine. When restored (about 1998), this engine was removed, and replaced with a 346cc Reo engine that Knott's had pulled out of Goose #3. Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this goose. |
Dave: pics wheel Dolores pics Goose Hist Soc Goose restored C&TS pics D&SN pics D&SN pic Rails Proj pic GhostDepot Dave: pics Fritz: pics Me 6/07: p1 p2 Video '99 |
| Goose 6 | Pierce Arrow 25'-8" 8700 lb |
Built 1/13/34 Work Goose |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (being restored) Currenty being restored. The work at CRRM includes replacing the brakes with a truck Maxi-brake. As of Aug '08, it was in the shop having its doors realigned. Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this goose. |
CRRM pics
Dave: p1 Bill White page Travis: pic Mario: p1 p2 p3 Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Goose 7 | Pierce Arrow '26 46'-0" 16500 lb |
Built 10/27/36 | Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (getting new drive wheels, front truck rebuild) The RGS replaced the orginal engine with a 261cc GMC engine. This Goose is down for rebuilding right now, at CRRM. By Jan '05, the cab was being restored, and the work is going slowly because each piece is unique and has to be custom-manufactured. New wheels have also been cast. By Aug '08, the museum reports that the engine has been brought back to working order, and the front trucks have been installed. The rear power trucks are currently being assembled. |
CRRM pic
Dave: p1 Underbody photo Bill White page Bob Hyman: p1 p2 Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 |
| Name | Type | Build date / Use | Location | Pics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tender from RGS #19 | Tender | Built ? | Remains on side of Keystone hill, on Telluride branch. It was wrecked w/Engine #19 during a run-away on the
hill. The tender was never retrieved.
Tom Burns writes: "When driving from Vance Junction toward Ophir, don't forget to look toward your left up on the hill before you cross the Telluride branch grade. The twisted tender for RGS #19 is still up on the hill after it ran away in 1907. This is probably one of the few remaining engine artifacts in the area that is easily visable from a public road." Bob Richardson took a pile of photos in 1965: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 And Jerry Halbert photographed it in 1975: p1 p2 p3 Another from 1984: p1 Greg Coit in Sep 2006: p1 p2 p3 |
Pic in Ssj, p177 |
| BC&F / Calumet Fuel Co tender | Tender | Built ? | This tender was buried at the Perin Peak coal mine and used as the town water supply. That area is now a wild life refuge and sealed off during the winter. | Pic in Ghost,p133 |
| Speeder | Speeder | Built early 1930s? | Orange Empire RR Museum Perris, CA |
Dave: info |
| Caboose 0400 | Caboose | Built 9-1890 Built new for RGS (by D&RG, cost $875) Left in Ridgway after 1952 To Clifton CO, 1973 To Georgetown Loop RR in 1988 To CRRM in Oct 2004 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden CO The caboose was left in Ridgway after 1952, after being used during scrapping operations. It eventually found its way to the Better Business Club in 1962, outside town, where it put on display. Later it was used in the film True Grit (which also featured parts of the depot; the caboose was apparently towed to simulate movement, on a section of rebuilt narrow gauge track, as all the RGS track had been removed at that point. Or so I understand...). In 1968, after the filming, the caboose was moved to the city park (near the depot) and put back on display. Jerry Albers acquired the caboose and moved it to Clifton CO in 1973, where it was restored. Jerry has written a great story of many details about this move and restoration. The caboose went to the Georgetown Loop RR in 1988, and saw light use for a time. In 1991 it was put on display there, and in 2003 was restored to operation (see Shane's pics tracking the restoration) When the Georgetown changed hands (the Colorado Historical Society took over operations), the caboose was moved (in Oct 2004) to the Colorado RR Museum for storage, where it remains today, still owned and painted for the Georgetown Loop. Bill White details: tech details drawings 
|
Shane pics: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 Dave: pic Bill's int pics Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 |
| Caboose 0401 | Caboose | Built 9-1890 Built new for RGS (by D&RG, cost $875) To Boulder, CO 1952 Destroyed 1958 | (destroyed)
This caboose was purchased by the town of Boulder CO in 1952, along with RGS engine 74. Both were put on display in a city park. Unfortunately, the caboose was destroyed in 1958, by vandals using dynamite. Here's a photo of the remains from 1960. Trucks survived, and were used under the replacement display caboose, D&RGW 04990 Later found the trucks were from D&RGW 20-ton gondola 8864, built 1887 and scrapped 1925 We do know the RGS replaced 0401's original trucks' with freight car trucks about 1950 Many details about the restoration were on the Boulder Co RR Hist Society's site, but that's now (July 2008) offline, apparently. Work continues on RGS 74 as well. A number of other parts survived as well, and were recently traded to be used in restoring D&RG caboose 0579. Read details about that here. |
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| Caboose 0402 | Caboose | Built 1-1891 for D&RG | Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA Ghost Town & Calico RR (operating!) |
Dave: pic
NGC page: p1 p2 p3 Steve E: p1 p2 YouTube videos: v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 |
| Caboose 0404 | Caboose | Built 1902 Built new for RGS Used on last RGS train 12-27-51 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO |
CRRM pic
Dave: pic Travis: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Mario: p1 p2 Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 |
| Caboose 0409 | Caboose | Built 1878 ex-D&RG 11 / 0510 To RGS 1891 as W409 To Narrow Gauge Motel Alamosa, CO in 1953 To Magic Mt Golden,CO To Woodmoor Corp To Heritage Sq Golden,CO 1971 To Disneyland Tokyo |
Disneyland Tokyo, Japan
Originally numbered D&RG 0510, this caboose was renumbered W409 when purchased by the RGS in 1891. It was soon rebuilt to the D&RG's 1892 standards, but w/ a single side-windowed cupola. Ed Kelley posted some additional information on the NGDF on 12-17-04. He writes that the caboose is indeed there, as a display. What's interesting is that Tokyo Disneyland's railroad is 30" gauge...the same gauge shared by Disneyland's former Viewliner and Mine Train, as well as the Fort Wilderness steam trains in Orlando. All other Magic Kingdom railroads have been 36", as usual. The caboose is on static display; it isn't used, but is sitting with several other artifacts at a sort of dummy depot/MOW shed. |
Chris: pics |
| Coach 252 | Wood coach 38'-7" |
Built 1880 ex-D&RG 37 / 261 ex-RGS work car 0252 To Trout Lake, CO residence To Durango (tmp storage) 1999 To Monta Vista CO, 2005(?) |
Wagon Wheel Gap South Fork, CO (awaiting restoration for display) (full restoration when funds allow) |
Dave: pic WagonWheel: pic |
| Coach 254 | Wood coach 38'-5" |
Built 1880 ex-D&RG 39 / 263 Used as Vance Junct depot |
Don Shank Monte Vista, CO (but still at CRRM) In May 2006, this car was traded by CRRM, and is now owned by Don Shank, of Monte Vista CO. Don created the D&RG Historical Foundation, and owns the Wagon Wheel Gap RR, where he is trying to establish a new tourist line using the old D&RGW branch to Creede CO. |
Ridgway Museum pic
Dave: p1 Travis: p1 p2 Greg R: p1 Mario: p1 |
| Coach 256 | Wood coach 38'-3" |
Built 1880 (named Col. Pfeiffer) ex-D&RG 42 / 266 To RGS passenger service 4-1891 (numbered 256) To RGS work service after 1933 (renumbered 0256) To residence (Dolores) 1952 Purchased by GGHS in 1999 |
Residence Dolores,CO Used for Bridge & Building crews; here's a photo from 5-23-51, in Dolores. Jul 2008: The coach has been moved to Val Truelson's property, in Dolores, to begin restoration work - here's details. |
Dave: pic |
| Coach 257 | Wood coach 38'-3" |
Built 1880 (by Jackson & Sharp) ex-D&RG 43 / 267 To RGS 5-4-1891 To D&S 1983 rebuilt 1986 ("Bell") renamed 1997 ("Shenandoah") |
Durango & Silverton Durango, CO (operating) This is a Jackson & Sharp coach, built in 1880 (see more details at www.drgw.org) The RGS purchased it on 5-4-1891, and later converted it to a combination coach / baggage between 1924 and 1932. The Durango & Silverton acquired the car at some point, and rebuilt it in 1986, renaming it 'Bell', and then renamed it again in 1997 to 'Shenandoah'. |
Dave: pic |
| Coach 260 | Wood coach 39'-8" |
Built 1896 new for RGS |
Huckleberry Railroad Flint, MI |
Huckleberry pics |
| RPO 150 | Wood RPO 34'-4" |
Built 1880 ex-D&RG 6 / 55 Left at Vance Jct 1904 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO |
|
| San Juan / Edna / B-20 | Wood Business 48'-9" |
Built 1881 ex-D&RG A To KBF 11-51 |
Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, CA (operating!) Bill Beverly writes on the HOn3 group: "She is in beautiful condition. I have never been inside it before. The first section is the galley, stove, pantry and pull down bunk for the cooking crew. The middle section is a bedroom with bed, toilet, sink, and closet. (nicer than my first apartment) The last section is an observation room with seats and tables. The wood was in excellent condition along with period lighting fixtures and stained glass windows up top. I am not sure if the stained glass was originally used, they looked like reproductions. I could have ridden around the park all day." |
NCG pics: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Arthur's: p1 p2 Dave: pic Steve E: pic |
| Rico / Montezuma / B-21 / 021 | Wood Business 43' |
Built 1880 ex-D&RG 4 / 53 / 569 ex-RGS constr car C-3 Left at Vance Jct 1904 Some history of Rico's paint color: When painted green (1918) - it was called B-21. When lettered Montezuma or Rico - it was Tuscan Red About 1933 it it became 021 and was painted red oxide as the other work equipment. |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO |
NGC: pic
Dave: pic Bob Hyman: pic Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Boxcar, D&RG 13680 | 60000lb Box | Built 1895 A std-gauge boxcar Left at Vance Jct early 1900s (for storage, I assume?) |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO |
Dave: pic |
| Boxcar 01789 (info) |
Boxcar 40000 lb |
Built 1887 Oldest remaining car in CO Last use on RGS was in water service. Mark Evans writes that "the 01789 car has a galvanized metal roof. That was added when it went into work car service. Many of the RGS work cars had the galvanized roof added." |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO Many details and photos are available in a QuickPic book on this car. |
NGC: pic
RGS Tech Pg pics Dave: pic Travis: pic |
| Boxcar / Outfit 8714 (Miller car) |
Boxcar 50000 lb |
Built 1910 ex C&S 8308 To RGS 7-29-38 To Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa, CO in 1953 To Magic Mt in Golden,CO To Georgetown Loop RR in Georgetown, CO (formerly #9, later converted to 'Torrys Peak' for passenger use) To CRRM for storage, Oct 2004 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden CO (owned by & painted for Georgetown Loop RR) |
PhotoWest pic
Shane's pic Steve Peck '93: p1 p2 Dave '04: p1 Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Boxcar / Outfit 8607 (Miller car?) |
(type?) --000 lb |
Built 19-- ex C&S 8179 To RGS (date?) |
Olathe, CO
Bill Pratt reports that he believes this car to be C&S 8179 originally, as he found that number stenciled inside. Bill later reported (in Oct '04) that the old outfit car is being rebuilt for use as a guest house. It's been covered with particle board which is in the process of being replaced with new siding. New metal roof panels have been ordered and should be put on next summer. The owner wants the reconstruction to be as historically accurate as possible. This is far cry from the early photos (see p1), when the car was just a few rotting frame timbers and bits of inner walls. |
Bill Pratt: p1 p2 |
| Boxcar (others) (Miller cars) |
Boxcar (various - about 78) |
Built c1910 To RGS 7-29-38 To Chicago Freight Car Parts (Salida, CO) late 1938 (some) To WP&Y c1942 (?) |
White Pass & Yukon Skagway, AL 78 of the boxcars Miller had purchased are shipped to Chicago Freight Car Parts Company for rebuilding, at Salida. The US Government apparently bought some (or all?) and sent some to Alaska (WP&Y), Hawaii, and the Philippines. Silver San Juan notes that a number were sent to Alaska (WP&Y) and remained there at late as 1971, but were gone by 1975. More careful research by Mike Peltier has shone that although the WP&Y received a number of C&S cars, none of these were Miller's cars from the RGS. Dennis remembers a baggage car and tool car at Skagway, and #704 at Whitehorse. Brian says when the WP&Y went to containers many boxcars were apparently cut down into flat cars. Grant says the WP&Y currently has 4 C&S boxcars w/o numbers - possibly pictured in Dave's photos from 1996? |
Dave: pics |
| Reefer 2101 (Miller car) |
Reefer | Built 1909 ex C&S 1113 To RGS 10-13-1938 To ??? after RGS (date?) To Sundown & Southern (date?) To Colorado RR Museum, 2004 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO (purchased from S&S for $5000) |
Dave: pic |
| Reefer / Outfit 2102 (Miller car) |
Reefer | Built 1909 ex C&S 1116 To RGS 10-13-1938 To RGS outfit 1940 To Magic Mtn/Heritage Sq (Golden,CO), converted to 'rider' car in 1960s To GLRR, rebuilt as "Grays Peak" for passenger service To CRRM for storage, Oct 2004 | Colorado RR Museum Golden CO (owned by & painted for Georgetown Loop RR) |
Reed Hodgin 8/01 pic
Steve Peck 2/01 p1 p2 Dave p1 Me 6/07: p1 |
| Stockcar 7201 / 7302 (Miller car) |
AC&F Stock 50000 lb |
Built 1900 ex C&S 7064 To RGS 7-13-1938 |
Colorado RR Museum Golden, CO |
Dave: p1 p2 |
| Stockcar 7303 (Miller car) |
AC&F Stock (?) 50000 lb (?) |
Built 1900 ex C&S 7080 To RGS in 8-21-1938 |
(unknown) Was on Dallas Divide in 1976 |
|
Note - there's more information and pictures about remaining structures and right-of-way details on the RGS home page, on their Remains page. It's really great information, and includes information on how to find these sites if you want to hike in and explore them.
| Name | Location | Condition | Use | Pics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgway org roundhouse |
Ridgway, CO | Gone, remains fading
Fritz Klinke writes in Mar 2006, of this area, that "the only other intact trackage I've seen on the RGS was several years ago at the original Ridgway roundhouse, and several rails were in place under a couple of feet of water. That area is rapidly being developed, and the wye area is now completely gone, being buried under new houses and streets. Little by little, it is all disappearing. Ridgway is a hot real estate market now and prices are escalating rapidly." |
Gone | |
| Ridgway Depot |
Ridgway, CO | Good, turned 90 degrees, with baggage area removed
The depot is owned privately, but was up for sale in August 2006 - asking price was 1.3 million! |
Residence |
ForSale pic John H pic |
| Shed | Ridgway Railway Museum Ridgway, CO |
Good This is a railroad outbuilding from the Ridgway depot grounds, I believe, but I don't know anything else about it. |
future exhibit | Me 6/07: p1 |
| Bridge 22-A | Haskill (near Brown, CO) |
Footings only Originally 264' long and 54' high, this trestle was rebuilt in 1914, moving it slightly closer to the ranch and highway - it was then 368' long and 58' high. This photo shows both approaches (the original is on the right, as you're looking south; ranch site and highway are about 75' to the left). This trestle was located alongside the Green Mountain Ranch, and many of the photos of it were taken looking up at the trestle from the ranch's grounds. The concrete footings of the trestle are still there, as are the main house from the ranch a couple of other buildings. The small dirt road going thru the ranch and under the trestle in early pictures is now a paved highway, going back into the valley behind the ranch site. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 |
| Bridge (???) | near Brown, CO |
Rotting We found these pilings beside the highway, in Leopard Creek. I'm not sure what bridge they're from. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Placerville Depot |
Placerville, CO | Good
The depot was cut into pieces shortly after 1952, part of it becoming part of the Post Office, and another part of a private home. The home is 1 block above the mercantile store. By 2004, the depot building was being used for storage and a workshop. George Cooke was able to photograph it, and even got a picture of the interior. |
Workshop | NGC: pic
George: p1 p2 p3 p4 int J Humphrey: p1 |
| Sawpit / Primos Tramway Ore Bin |
Sawpit, CO | Good
The depot was cut into pieces shortly after 1952, part of it becoming part of the Post Office, and another part of a private home. The home is 1 block above the mercantile store. By 2004, the depot building was being used for storage and a workshop. George Cooke was able to photograph it, and even got a picture of the interior. |
Restored | Me 6/07: pics
J Humphrey (before restoration): p1 |
| Valley View Tank fill pipe |
Ridgway RR Museum, Ridgway, CO | Good
This is the fill pipe from the (long gone) water tank at Valley View (south of bridge 9-A); it's on display in inside outfit car 04914, at the Ridgway RR Museum. |
On display | David Dye: p1 |
| Vance Jct Depot (ex-coach 254) |
CRRM Golden, CO |
Poor
This is now owned by the Ridgway RR Museum, but for the moment it's still located at CRRM. |
On display | (see Coach 254 above) |
| Vance Jct Coal pocket |
Vance Junction, CO | Stable
This coal pocket was recently stabilized, and is in the best shape it's been in for years. There is a lot of new lumber, which I understand looks a little odd, but at least the structure is stable now and in no risk of collasping. The forest service road is usually drivable all the way into Vance Jct, and the restored coal pocket and can be viewed, along w/foundations of most of the other buildings that once stood at this junction. |
Abandoned | NGC: pics
Mario: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 more pics Dave: recent pic Ted Wiese: p1 p2 p3 |
| Bridge 44-A | Ophir, CO | Timber pile This was the Butterfly trestle, just below (RR north) of the Ophir low line. It was 338' long, 60' high, and crossed Lake Fork. It was about about 1971, then deemed a hazard and dismantled. |
Abandoned | Bob Hyman: Overview timbers |
| Gilton Club | Ophir, CO | This building is easily identifable in the old photos of Ophir. Although the new highway has obliterated most of the Ophir depot grounds and surround area, this building survived. | Residence | George:
pic
NGC: pic Me 6/07: p1 |
| Bridge 45-A | Ophir, CO | Collasped This was the huge trestle at Ophir Loop, just below (RR north) of the depot grounds. It was 476' long, 96' high, and crossed Howard Fork. Large areas around this trestle have been reclaimed due to contamination from mining operations that were running after the RGS was abandoned. The northern (lower) end of the trestle has many remains of the bents still laying on the ground (in 2007). The southern (upper, or depot) end has the huge footers way down in the canyon by the Howard Fork creek still in place, and many of the old bridge timbers are lying there in a huge pile as well. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10 Paul 2004: p1 p2 Dieter 2004: p1 p2 |
| Bridge 46-A | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The first of the Ophir highline bridges, it 62' long and 30' high. |
Abandoned |
Paul 2004: p1 |
| Bridge 46-B | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The second of the Ophir highline bridges, it was 102' long and 35' high. |
Abandoned |
Paul 2004: p1 |
| Bridge 46-C | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The third of the Ophir highline bridges, it was 151' long and 42' high. |
Abandoned | |
| Bridge 46-D | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The fourth of the Ophir highline bridges, it was 354' long and 76' high. |
Abandoned | |
| Bridge 46-E | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The fifth of the Ophir highline bridges, 216' long and 26' high. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Bridge 46-F | Ophir, CO | Footings only
The sixth and last of the Ophir highline bridges, it was 172' long and 21' high. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 |
| Mill | Matterhorn, CO | This was a large ore-processing mill, sitting on a spur of the RGS mainline just south of Ophir. It still stands today. The spur to the mill is a dirt road now, and the nearby RGS main goes through the area in a cut; the mill installed a conveyor in this cut after abandonment. | Abandoned |
Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 |
| Bridge 51-A | Trout Lake, CO | Restored
This trestle is 109' long and 35' high. 6/15/04: Fritz Klinke reports that after 9 years of seeking funding, work will begin in July 2004 to stabilize this trestle, after meeting w/the Forest Service, San Miguel County and the Colorado Historical Society. Money is coming from the Scenic Byways program of Colorado's State Historical Fund. The project will rebuild only a portion (perhaps 5 bents), while the other bents and redecking await further funding. 6/28/04: The Forest Service has cleared out old growth around the trestle, giving the best view of it since RGS days. 9/9/04: The Forest Service has begun work at the footings. Fritz took a photo of the work in Oct. 10/7/05: And a friend of Ted Wiese took another photo (Yahoo membership req'd to view) |
Abandoned | NGC page: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Bob Hyman: side Mario 2004: p1 p2 June/July 2004: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 George 10/05: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 Me 6/07: pics |
| Telluride Depot |
Telluride | Good condition. Currently (spring 6/07) the building is empty and has no tenants, although it once housed a a microbrewery/sestaurant (around 1996/97) and later just a restaurant (around 2005). As of May 2007, it has been acquired by the Ah Haa School for the Arts, and will remain open to the public. | Remodeled | Mario: p1 p2 p3 Fallen Flag pic RGS map: p1-1974 p2-c2001 Me 6/07: pics |
| Trout Lake Water Tank |
Trout Lake, CO | Good | Abandoned |
Mario: p1 p2 p3 Dave: pics aerial topo GhostDepot pics: p1 p2 p3 frame ctr joist foot spout George 10/05: pic NG Circle: main pg p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Me 6/07: p1 p2 |
| Rico Depot |
Rico, CO | Gone
However, in a truly amazing example of the scope of RGS influence, the city of Elgin,IL built a new commuter rail depot modeled after Rico's depot. Andy Roth and 3 co-workers design and built railroad depots in the Chicago area. Josel Gonzalez was managing the Elgin project, and after discussing the architectural look for Elgin's new depot, Josel told the architect to design station that looked like the G-scale Rico Depot he has on his desk. Elgin upgraded a number of features, but the resemblance is uncanny. Amazing... |
Original - gone Elgin's - in use |
Rico's depot: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 Elgin's depot: p1 |
| Rico Engine House |
Rico, CO | Gone! But the footings can still be found w/a little exploration. | Torn down | (anybody have pics?) |
| Rico Outhouse |
Rico, CO | Stable Coming into the Rico depot grounds from the north, as you drive down the hillside, you'll see this RGS outhouse on your left, still standing and with 'RGS' lettering still clearly visible. I'm not sure if this came from the depot or the engine house area. |
??? | John: p1 p2 |
| Rico Water Tank |
Rico, CO | Poor
But a restoration project was approved in Feb 2003. Fritz Klinke's company from Silverton will be doing the work. It's interesting to note that Fritz runs a B&B with 3-suites in Silverton. 4/13/04 - update, grants have been received from the Colorado State Historical fund and work has begun. Apparently, the town has also indicated interest in relaying some track under the tower and displaying a couple of cars. Perhaps the CRRM Goose could move there, and Rico could lay enough track to offer short rides? Fritz Klinke is working on the restoration of this tank, and provided some photos of the work, taken by Loren Lew. Fritz writes: "The pictures show footer replacement, jacking up tank, as much as 6 inches in spots, and the new shingle roof. We completely redecked the floor that covers the tank at the top of the staves (typical of all the ng tanks--there is a floor you can walk on under the roof right above the water), replaced most of the roof rafters, replaced all the roof sheathing, applied one layer of roll asphalt roofing, then a layer of a product named "cedar breather" and then applied fire treated #1 Canadian sawn cedar shingles." "The top is flashed with lead flashing where the ball ornament once was. We have plans to reinstall the water spout perhaps this week (10/12/04), with the ropes and chains. We also repositioned the tank bands, but the tank has shrunk so much that they don't really look too good. It would require cutting each band, overlapping the joints and either weld together or rivet, but that extensive amount of work was not included in this grant. It should be pointed out that the tank is owned by the Town of Rico, and the work was funded by a grant from the Colorado Historical Fund and the Rico Historical Society. And my company, Klinke & Lew Contractors, did the work." Mar 2006: Fritz says his company's been contracted for a bit more stablizing work this summer, including tightening the hoops and other work. Also, Fritz writes "I have walked most of the area around the tank and there is nothing there except patches of cinders and some traces of where tracks were. The willows have reclaimed much of that area, and when willows take over, it is because of a high water table, but also causes the land to be declared wet lands, and there goes the neighborhood." (Note - the restoration photos are the property of and are copyrighted by Loren Lew) |
Abandoned | DPL 1983 pic
Henry's 1990 pic Dave: pics aerial topo Restoration pix: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 Rails Proj pics: p1 |
| Dolores Depot (replica) |
Dolores, CO | Excellent
The Dolores depot was torn down, but was rebuilt in the 1990s. It's location is a tad different (something about the town not wanting a depot in the middle of the street!). The original location was along the main line with the passenger section on the east side (5th St.) and fright to the west(4th St). The rebuilt depot is laid out similarly, but is located about 90' north and 30' east. There's a few other minor differences as well - the windows are slightly different, and the freight portion was shortened somewhat. Dick Dorman, author of a number of photo books on the RGS, handling the design and drafting work for this new building. |
Museum | GhostDepot.com pics: p1 p2 entry back_s back_sw end_n end_s roof Rails Proj pics: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 Me 6/07: pics |
| Bridge 105-A | Lost Canyon, CO | Still standing, solid
The bridge is located on the private property - Rilla King's ranch. |
Abandoned | |
| Bridge 111-C | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 |
| Bridge 111-B | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 |
| Bridge 109-A | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 |
| Bridge 108-D | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 |
| Bridge 108-C | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents, but still in great shape.
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 |
| Bridge 108-B | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents, but in great shape.
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 |
| Bridge 107-A or 108-A | Lost Canyon, CO | Rotting bents, with a couple of stringers.
The bridge is located on the private property. |
Abandoned | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 |
| Mancos Section House Bunk House |
Mancos, CO (original location) |
Poor There are pictures of the bunk house in Vol. 8 of the RGS Story on pages 204 & 205. |
Abandoned(?) | |
| East Mancos Water Tank |
East Mancos, CO | Poor Located on private property at Yoder Ranch (don't trespass!) |
Abandoned |
NGC: pic
Dave: pic tank pg John H pic MS map: aerial topo |
| Hesperus Section House |
Hesperus, CO (original location) |
Good Ray Loose writes: The section house at Hesperus is the one that is still there. It is shown on page 188 of Vol. 9 RGS Story from Sundance. The picture also shows a "bunk house" but I beleive that is the section house that is still there. In the late 70s I drove a school bus and there was a Archuleta kid on the bus who's grandfather was Ed Archuleta former section foreman based out of Hesperus. He first called my attention to the building saying that was where his grandfather had lived. |
Residence | |
| Ute Jct Coal pocket |
Ute Junction, CO | Gone - Torn down approx 1999 Ray Loose reports that the land owner, who is somewhat of a railfan, had the pocket torn down because he was afraid of someone getting hurt and then sueing. His driveway is on the old Ute Branch right-of-way coming from US 160. |
Gone |
Ron '94: pics
MS Map: aerial topo |
| Franklin Jct Scale pit |
Franklin Junction, CO | Ray Loose reports that he found a scale pit on the Franklin branch, near the junction to the Triangle Mine.
Since there's a switch tie here, there must have been a switch leading to the scale track (or perhaps the
tie was from the gauntlet - used to switch cars running over the pit from the fixed rails to the weighed
rails?).
Photos: p1 is looking west; there's a switch tie in the foreground p2 is looking west toward the Triangle mine p3 is what's left of the scale pit p4 is looking east |
Rotting remains | Ray's photos: p1 p2 p3 p4 |
| Bridge 162-B | Franklin Junction, CO | Robert Alford found and photographed the location of bridge 162-B. Engineer Ralph Peake was killed here on Sep 19th, 1919, when the trestle at Lightner Creek (outside Durango) gave way and D&RG #217 rolled into the flood-stage creek. The trestle was nearly covered with water, but Peake had stopped and inspected it before proceeding, and he thought the bridge was sound. His fireman, John Adams, swam to safety. | Rotting foundations | Rob's photos: p1 p2 |
| Unidentifed bridge remains | San Juan County, CO | Rotting Timbers
There's a number of photos I've found that may well be RGS remains, but I (and others) have not yet been able to verify their exact identity. |
Rotting | p1 |
| Name | Location | Condition | Use | Pics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haskill area ROW | near Brown, CO |
Good
The right-of-way just north of bridge 22-A, near what was the Green Mountain Ranch, is now a trail that runs along a ridge about 30' above the highway. |
Horse / hiking trail | Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 |
| Placerville ROW | Placerville,CO | Good
What was once the roadbed is now the main highway through town. The ROW was very near the river at this location. |
Highway | NGC: pic |
| Sawpit ROW | S of Placerville, CO | Good
The ROW wandered down along the river here. The Primos tramway terminal / ore bin is located here, and is visible from the highway. The bin was restored recently, and is easily accessed on a dirt road which is the ROW for some distance along the river here. |
Dirt road | Me 6/07: pics |
| Vanadium ROW | Dirt road below the highway | Good
The ROW continues along the river here, on an easily-drivable dirt road. |
Dirt road | J Humphrey - pic |
| Windy Pt ROW | Ophir, CO | Rotting ties
This area has been graded and one can ride a bike/hike from near the junction of the Rico mainline and Telluride branch, all the way to Butterfly. They have constructed a bypass around the site of Ames trestle (43-A), that you can walk your bike down and around. The footings and pipe for the Ames tank are there, as well as some of the tank bands pushed off the side of the hill. |
Abandoned |
Ghost Depot:
p1
B Hyman: p1 Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 below above |
| Low-line ROW | Ophir, CO | Abandoned
Dave has created a topographical map of the area, linked to a number of his photos. |
Dirt road |
Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 |
| High-line ROW | Ophir, CO | Abandoned
Dave has created a topographical map of the area, linked to a number of his photos. |
Dirt road |
Dave: map & pics Mario: p1 p2 p3 Paul 2004: p1 p2 Me 6/07: p1 p2 p3 p4 siding side2 |
| Lizard Head ROW | Lizard Head, CO | Gone
From Brian, via the RGS Yahoo list: "Incidentally a friend of mine just returned from the area, and with proper instructions drove the grade from Trout Lake at the highway all the way around the lake, past the tank, past Trout Lake trestle, and up to Lizard Head. He said he wasn't sure where the road would come out until he came out on top and realized he had just driven the old grade up to the site of the snowshed and wye." Dave has created a topographical map of the area, linked to a number of his photos. |
Abandoned |
Dave: map & pics Rails Proj pics: p1 p2 |
| Gallagher ROW | south of Lizard Head, CO | Abandoned
There were a couple of famous bridges here, part of a large S-curve, known as the Gallagher trestles. Rails Project has a couple of photos of what might be this area today. Dave has created a topographical map of the area, linked to a number of his photos. |
Field |
Dave: map & pics Rails Proj pics: &n |
