Of the ten steam locomotives on the property, four of them were hidden away in the roundhouse receiving cosmetic or operational repairs. Once Rio Grande Southern 20 make its return (with is set to be this year, and I believe the tender has already returned), they will have a trio of operational steam locomotives (D&RGW 346, D&RGW 491 and RGS 20) As seen, D&RGW 683 is in need of some paint, D&RGW 318 is the other locomotive in the roundhouse getting a new cab and a new coat of paint, the other five (CB&Q 5629, M&PP 1, Standard Oil 1, Colorado & North Western 30 and DL&G 191) are in various conditions on display.
I certainly wish they would, but I think there's a couple factors preventing them from doing so. The biggest one is that the site the museum is on is rather hilly, and most of the display tracks aren't one the same level as others, so it would require multiple structures at varying heights. Theoretically, they could build some structures over some of the turntable tracks. And other issue is most of the equipment is displayed on curves. Of course, I think cost is a big factor. I will say though, they have been starting work recently on some of the worst pieces, as well as moving some to the turntable tracks, which typically (not always, though) indicates that the equipment is slated for some restoration work at some point. They've also begun cocooning some of the oldest Narrow Gauge coach bodies to prevent further deterioration to them. I also believe the fact that they move equipment around with some frequency allows the equipment to weather evenly, as well as to make sure the rolling stock still rolls and doesn't deteriorate in place.
Rio Grande GP30 3011 The tender of Rio Grande Southern 20, due to be returned to the Museum sometime this year from a 13 year long (most say too long) restoration stay in Strasburg, PA. I read that the museum is actually going to finish the restoration in house and have the locomotive fully operational in late 2019 or early 2020.
The entirety of RGS 20 was sent east back in 2006, to be completely stripped down and rebuilt for operation. I don't know the full details behind what went on, but it seems like it wasn't of the highest priority out there in Strasburg. Additionally, what what needed to be done was way beyond the capacity of the museum at the time (I believe it needed a completely new boiler or new boiler sections or some part that CRRM did not have the ability to make in house). And from what I understand, it only seems like in recent years have any big strides been made on the project. Needless to say, I think the Museum wants it back and they are going to finish up the project themselves.
Shows how long it’s been since I was there last! Had no idea they acquired Pikes Peak equipment!! Be neat if they were able to operate it! Even if not on a cog incline. Gonna have to,go down, once I’ve got 2, well, almost 2 good feet under me!!
The similarity is purely coincidental, the C&N was an independent narrow gauge line that ran west of Boulder and lasted until the late teens (1919 if I recall) before it was abandoned. D&RGW Boxcar 3447, disguised as a Colorado Central car D&RGW Boxcar 3493
