The Colorado Railroad Museum Rail Report continues a long tradition that began with the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, connecting rail enthusiasts through shared history, preservation, and a love of railroading. Now produced by the Museum, the newsletter brings together longtime Rocky Club members and new readers alike by sharing stories of preservation and restoration developments, current rail news, progress on Museum projects and Rocky Mountain Railroad Club history.
If you have received this email as a forward from someone else, please click here to continue receiving the Rail Report monthly. And if you know of someone who might be interested, please forward and share!
We’re delighted to continue this long tradition with a new look and feel. All aboard!
Paul Hammond Dave Schaaf
Executive Director Rail Report Editor
| |
Upcoming Rail Events
This week is Colorado Railroad Heritage Week!
As Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood, the Colorado Railroad Museum encourages Coloradans to honor the rich history of the railroads that helped shape the Centennial State. From frontier settlements to booming mining towns, railroads played a critical role in launching transformations that continue to shape Colorado even today.
In recognition of this important legacy, Governor Polis has officially proclaimed June 21-27, 2026, as Colorado Railroad Heritage Week. The week begins on Father’s Day, June 21, and commemorates the arrival of the first train to Denver (on June 24, 1870), a milestone that marked a new era of connectivity and growth for the state.
During Colorado’s 150th anniversary year, it is especially meaningful to reflect on the railroads that helped build Colorado’s communities, its economy, and its very identity. Railroads have been essential in connecting remote towns, moving people and goods, and crafting the foundation of modern Colorado. Without them, ours would not be the state it is today.
The Colorado Railroad Museum invites you to join the celebration, call out “All Aboard!” and explore Colorado’s rich railroad heritage! Visit the Museum, ride a train, tour a railroad heritage site somewhere in the state, and discover the stories behind the people and the technology that helped connect Colorado to the rest of the country and the world. To learn more about Heritage Week and discover offers and events from Colorado rail attractions CLICK HERE!
| |
Rail Watch
Highlights and regional happenings.
| |
This new Amtrak Airo Train set moved south on the Colorado Joint Line at Castle Rock on May 29, 2026. Nos. 116 and 126 pulled the special train from California to the Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo. Two Amtrak escort cars were on the rear. Photo by Chip.
| |
Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is atop the Tunkhannock Viaduct in Nicholson, Pennsylvania. The town saw its population soar for a few hours on Saturday,
June 13, 2026. Photo by Dennis A. Livesey.
| |
Union Pacific had an eastbound train with NASA solid rocket boosters headed from Utah to Florida in early June. When assembled at Cape Canaveral, the rocket will be used for the Artemis III space mission that is scheduled to launch in 2027. The two lead units were the red-white-and-blue No. 4547, and the Abraham Lincoln No. 1616.
Train SCRME 02 is seen here near Dix, Nebraska. Photo by John Crisanti.
| |
Union Pacific Big Boy stopped for the night at Sayre, Pennsylvania, on June 11, 2026. Photo by Cate Kratville-Wrinn.
| |
As the eastbound California Zephyr was leaving Denver on June 21, a flash of lightning appeared above the private cars at the end of the train. Photo by Chip.
| |
The Big Boy shows a bit of its articulation near Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania.
Photo by Andrew Ludasi.
| |
Rocky Mountain Rail Preservation
Exciting Developments in Colorado Rail Preservation/Restoration
By John Bush
| |
I had intended for this month’s column to be a discussion of the work the Durango & Silverton has undertaken in the area of car and locomotive rebuilds. Recently, they rebuilt No. 211, a D&RG combine now owned by Lake City, Colorado. They also recently completed a refurbishing of the Colorado Railroad Museum's RGS caboose No. 0404. Additionally, they completed the rebuild of D&RGW No. 340 a C-19 2-8-0 locomotive that belongs to Knotts Berry Farm amusement park. The boiler, frame, and running gear of D&RGW No. 346, another C-19 (part of the original collection of the Colorado Railroad Museum), is now in Durango being refurbished and made compliant with 49 CFR part 230 so that it may operate outside the confines of the Museum.
Those projects will be discussed in detail in a later column. Exciting progress has happened for two other projects that have been in the works for years.
The following information comes from the South Park Rail Society (SPRS). Thanks to the support of SPRS members and supporters, and with the successful awarding of a HISTORY COLORADO funding grant, the SPRS raised the $400,000 to purchase the historic Como Roundhouse from Kathy and Dr. Charles Brantigan. The sale closed on Tuesday, June 9. After a three-year effort led by a focused and perseverant individual to negotiate terms, secure funding, and coordinate support—including the support of Kathy and Dr. Chuck Brantigan—the Como Roundhouse preservation transaction finally closed. This culmination of efforts called for a celebration lunch at Mickey’s Sirloin in Denver, with Dr. Charles and Kathy Brantigan, Tom Lawson, Paul Blanchard, SPRS Volunteer Coordinator/Life Member and Bill Kazel, supporter.
This is a very important chapter of the Como Heritage Site that the historic Como Roundhouse is now in ownership of the non-profit South Park Rail Society dedicated to the ongoing preservation and ensuring its long term viability on behalf of the general public to appreciate the history of an operating narrow gauge heritage site. It is also important to the dedicated volunteers who have toiled, sacrificed and devoted their time to restore this Heritage Site and provide the general public open houses and educational experiences that they now have equity and pride of ownership as stakeholders.
The SPRS now moves on to the next chapter, acquisition of the pasture that surrounds the Como Roundhouse, Como Depot and the Como Hotel outlined in red on the survey map.
The pasture is 55 acres, currently owned by Kathy & Dr. Charles Brantigan and settled on a price of $300,000 with a down payment of $10,000 with three years remaining to purchase. This will be important to acquire as most of the railroad track constructed by volunteers is on the pasture plus the parking lot available for visitors during Como Open Houses.
| |
The other project that has now truly come to life is the restoration of the last surviving Grant built C-16 that once belonged to the D&RGRR. I (John Bush) have personally been involved with this locomotive since 1985 when it was sitting behind the Rio Grande passenger station in Salt Lake. It was in dilapidated condition and its rear tender sill was lying on the ground. I had finished the cosmetic restoration of No. 168 for the City of Colorado Springs and sent an unsolicited proposal to cosmetically restore No. 223. In 1991 the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society was organized.
In 1992 the locomotive was finally moved to Ogden Union Depot in Ogden. Under the leadership of Maynard Morris this group undertook the project of restoring the locomotive to operating condition in its final operating years. During the years between 1992 and 2018 the following work was done:
The locomotive was disassembled:
- Boiler separated from frame.
- Boiler piping and valves removed.
- Frame and running gear moved indoors.
- Side rods removed (one crank pin had to be cut off)
- Pistons and piston rods removed.
- Crossheads and guides removed.
- Lead truck removed.
- Drivers removed.
- Spring rigging removed.
- Locomotive cab removed and deconstructed.
- Tender de-trucked
- Tender tank separated from frame.
Restoration completed:
- Tender frame was rebuilt using salvaged metal parts and all new wood. The joinery and fabrication methods are the same as the original tender.
- Tender tank was rebuilt with all new sheet metal and original fittings. The tank riveted in the same manner as the original.
- The tender trucks were rebuilt with new springs and brasses (bearings). Further work may be required.
The locomotive cab has been rebuilt using proper historic joinery methods. All the wood was replaced and some of the steel pieces have also been replaced due to the deterioration of the original parts.
| |
In Durango, Colorado on June 9, 2026. Photo by Jerry Day.
| |
I was hired by the City of Ogden as a consultant in 2023 to examine the almost completely disassembled locomotive. My goal was to determine if all the important parts could be found, assess their condition, inventory them, label them, and move them to storage in a safe and secure location. The depot area where they were stored was needed by the city for other purposes. As part of my services I made recommendations regarding paths for the future of this unique locomotive. Since then, Ogden City has been working to identify possibilities and partnerships toward reassembling and restoring the locomotive. Several options were explored including:
- Continued ownership and restoration to static display condition by the City of Ogden.
- The lease model developed for D&RGW No. 168, with a long term lease to either the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad or the Durango & Silverton Railroad where the railroad would pay for the cost of restoration to operating condition.
- Loan to the Colorado Railroad Museum with the costs of operational or static display restoration born by the Museum.
- Direct transfer of title to the Colorado Railroad Museum in its current condition.
- Transfer of title to a third-party non-profit organization for the fund raising, restoration to operating condition, and rights to operate the locomotive for a designated period of time.
The last option was chosen by the City and a 501(c3) non-profit foundation was created in July of 2025. The 223 Locomotive Foundation was established with the following mission statement.
Restore Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad’s C-16 locomotive 223 to both operational and museum-quality based on the end of service life configuration. Ensure the management and maintenance of locomotive 223 for the benefit of future generations, thereby preserving the unique history of Colorado’s narrow gauge railroads. Collaborate with Colorado museums and operational railroads to operate, maintain, and demonstrate the historical significance of the C-16 class locomotive.
Excerpted from the 223locomotivefoundation.org is the following information.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad narrow gauge locomotive No. 223 is one of only three remaining class C-16 locomotives from the original 84 constructed for the D&RGRR in 1881. Furthermore, No. 223 is the sole surviving narrow gauge locomotive manufactured by Grant Locomotive Works. The locomotive was retired from service in 1941 and subsequently presented to Salt Lake City, Utah, for use in a parade.
No locomotive class was more instrumental in transporting commerce among mining, agricultural, and ranching communities than the widely utilized Class 60/C-16 locomotive. For more than three decades beginning in the early 1880s, these engines served as the primary workhorses of the D&RG.
Ogden City, as the current owner, has spent significant time documenting, collecting information, and meeting with members of the museum and restoration community. The historical record of locomotive No. 223 is detailed, and research indicates that—apart from its 85 years of being displayed in Utah—its provenance does not correspond with Utah's local history. Given this context and with Colorado’s 150th statehood anniversary approaching in 2026, Ogden City will transfer ownership to the 223 Locomotive Foundation to be returned to Colorado.
Upon receiving FRA certification for No. 223, the Foundation will enter into agreements with operational railroads such as the Durango & Silverton Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad to arrange charters and special event operations. Additionally, the Foundation will progressively coordinate with the Colorado Railroad Museum, ensuring our efforts are aligned to effectively showcase the historic significance of No. 223 alongside other notable equipment within Colorado's narrow-gauge railway venues.
The Foundation bylaws include a “Sunset Provision” that ensures No. 223 will eventually be transferred to the Colorado Railroad Museum.
| |
Above: Ogden Crew Photo. From left to right: Scott Pitman, Bill Dodge, Steve Jones, John Bush, Hope Eggett, Jimmy Booth, Josh Bernhard, Richard Carroll and Lee Witten. Both photos taken on June 8, 2026 by Jerry Day.
| |
On the morning of June 8th, 2026, with the help of several members of the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, rails were laid and the tender was rolled out of the building where it has been stored since it was completely rebuilt. The locomotive cab was then also moved outside. At 2:00pm a crane arrived and the tender, cab, and the pilot were lifted on to a low boy trailer for the trip to Durango where the locomotive will be restored. An overnight drive to Durango allowed them to be unloaded on the 9th. The tender for the recently restored No. 340 was then loaded onto this same truck and both the tender and locomotive were sent back to Knotts Berry Farm.
In July, crews will make another trip to Ogden to load No. 223's frame and drivers on a truck for the trip to Durango. After that is done we will secure the two containers of parts for shipment to Durango. The final shipment at some point will be the boiler. When that is done, all the parts for No. 223 will be at the Durango & Silverton shops and the restoration can begin in earnest.
To be a part of this grand project to bring the last Grant-built C-16 back to life, please visit the 223locomotivefoundation.org website to contribute and follow our progress.
| |
A bit of Rocky Mountain Railroad Club History
By Jim Ehernberger
| |
1949 was a GREAT YEAR for the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club.
The Club’s one and only Midland Terminal (MT) excursion operated from Colorado City (between Colorado Springs and Manitou) to Cripple Creek on February 6, 1949. The train consisted of four cars, and was pulled by locomotive number 59, a consolidation type engine built by Alco in 1896. Prior to the discontinuance of the Colorado Midland Railway, MT trains only operated between Divide and Cripple Creek, using their own tracks that were completed in 1895. The yard and terminal facilities and trackage up Ute Pass from the Colorado City terminal to Divide (24 miles) was acquired after 1919. Trains were operated 54.5 miles from Colorado City to Cripple Creek. The Cripple Creek District was rich in gold mining activities, allowing the railroad sufficient traffic until it closed down on February 20, 1949.
One hundred and sixty-nine Club members and friends participated. Lowell Thomas, famous national newsman, was among the passengers. The weather reported was very clear, but the thermometer that day registered at minus six degrees. In those days, Club trips departed later so passengers had ample time to drive from Denver. One report stated 37 automobiles were counted keeping pace with the train. A special point of interest is that the wooden observation car No. 29 of the Midland Terminal formerly Colorado Midland car No. 111, was used on the rear of the train to the delight of the members. This car has now been preserved at the Colorado Railroad Museum, and is currently being renovated for display.
| |
Excursionists on platform of the former Colorado Midland observation car 111 at Colorado City before departure of the Club excursion to Cripple Creek on February 6, 1949. George Trout Photo/John Hallinan Collection
| |
After climbing the steep grade up Ute Pass, including tunnels, the train made a stop for water at Cascade, only eight miles from Colorado City. At all stops passengers took the opportunity to photograph the scene. George Trout Photo/John Hallinan Collection.
| |
Midland Terminal Railway engine No. 59, built in 1895, handled the Club excursion and stopped at the Bull Hill water tank on its journey to Cripple Creek on February 6, 1949. The painted stripes on the cab and tender were special for our excursion trip. There were two Denver & Rio Grande combination baggage and coach cars as part of the consist. George Trout Photo/John Hallinan Collection.
| |
Midland Terminal engine No. 59 and the train were turned at Cripple Creek and are preparing to return to Colorado City at 1:30 p.m. on February 6, 1949.
It appears everyone was properly dressed for the occasion according to these images. George Trout Photo/John Hallinan Collection.
| |
Content contributions this month from Chip Sherman, Dennis A. Livesey,
Cate Kratville-Wrinn, John Crisanti, Andrew Ludasi, John Bush,
Jerry B. Day and Jim Ehernberger.
Editorial assistance from Paul Hammond and Maddie Schaaf.
| |
| Thanks to our generous Sponsors & Partners
| |
|
|
|
|
