I'm planing on a vacation trip to Colorado this summer. Is the Georgetown loop train still running? I'm finding conflicting info on the web.
They are trying to get Engine#12 operational. Keep checking back here and I or one of the others from the area will keep you informed. :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb:
I'm planing on going in June sometime. Do they have any operating equipment? Steam or diesel? do they have another web site? or something more current than what google provided me with?
Darren, Hey its me, I am back!! At least for a while. As I have missed so much I am looking to catch up on the GTL...what happened to Number 9 and what is going on with the current politics between the Loop and the Historical Society? Best, John
Where's our own insider on what's happening in G-town? EricB, I think his name is? Either way, a TB guy lives in Georgetown....
Here is the scoop as I know it right now... Won't type in the entire article from "The Colorado Time-Table" issue "No. 139" which is the APRIL 2007 release; but, this is what is being stated right now. The overhaul on Engine #9 was halted in January and the work was put out for a competitive bid. All bids received for Engine #9 were rejected by the Colorado Historical Society. With that all efforts are being put toward Engine #12 to have it ready for opening day. Engine #12 has not operated since July when the axle broke. The work was going to be done by the Durango & Silverton. This was in November 2007. Durango & Silverton found more issues No contract signed between Durango & Silverton and Railstar (which operates the Loop now) As of March 2007 the Colorado Historical Society put out the work for Engine #12 for bid. Contract awarded March 20 to a Minnesota company to fix certain issues Another bid was put out March 25 for other needs Railstar working the third set of issues Colorado Historical Society is also seeking federal funds to help fix Engine #9 to see if they can get it ready before the season ends Diesel #1203 is scheduled to arrive in May and be ready for service Engine #111 might be ready for service sometime in 2007. So, I would say the Georgetown Loop will be at some level of operation but nothing like it was with the previous operator when the SHAY's were doing the work. The SHAY's are still at the CRRM (Golden, CO) and have been doing service on some of the steam-ups including SUNDAY for Easter. Personally, the Colorado Historical Society is badly dropping the ball and somebody there should be looking for a job well away from RR operations as they have no clue what it takes to be this deeply involved as they are today. :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:
I can't argue with Darren. Even from afar, it's obvious they are an organization lacking in many aspects. The end result could be not only historical tragedy, but human as well. :sad: Boxcab E50
The Colroado Historical Society is actually the Colroado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and they are charged with the preservation of historic (and prehistoric) properties across the entire state (there are literally thousands of these). The Georgetown Loop and the motive power/rolling stock are all listed as historic properties and as such the CHS must by law do all it can to restore/preserve these properties. It is not so much a matter of should they be involved because, as I say, they must be by law. The fact that they have put this out to bid indicates that they know that they have no idea what to do and are seeking qulified bidders to do the work. Cost is always a factor since the Colorado legislature keeps sucking money away from the historic preservation fund. The way I see it, CHS (SHPO) is doing all it can within the limits of the law and with the funding they have. It is my hope that they continue to try to aid GTL but they can always pull their support and say "it is cheaper to keep these engines as static displays" as has been done in so many other cases. Anyway...not a soap box but since I deal with these folks daily as an archaeologist, thought you might like a bit more info on them. Folks in Colorado, if you don't like the way CHS is handling things I really encourage you to write your representative in congress and ask them to make sure more money is allocated to the preservation of historic properties in Colorado, including engines, rolling stock and the Georgetown Loop Historic District. Best, John
But right here is my worry. If they do not know what to do, and probably don't know what to look for throughout the process, how do they ensure the necessary end product? Someone can do work, and it might 'look' good to the untrained eye. Is it? :sad: Boxcab E50
Yes, I think the worry is a good one BUT if this bid quote is like those we get from CHS they are only sent to folks on a bid list that have a track record for doing such work. My question is...how many are there? Its not like you can look up "Steam Engine Repair" in the phone book...but then again, its not easy to look up "Archaeologists" in the phone book either. I know the folks at CHS well, and I know they will do the right thing. Best, John
John you points are very nicely stated and correct and I do support the overall efforts of the Colorado Historical Society. My issue specifically is tied to how they have handled the Georgetown Loop in the past few years. The previous operator of the Georgetown Loop had been successfully making this one of the finest tourist railroads in the state and had been doing so for decades. When the renewal came up they tossed them out like garbage. The new operator understands RR; but the Colorado Historical Society does not understand that these true historical engines can never pull the passengers to keep this tourist railroad operational. Why, because they never did so you either pull much fewer cars or you don't run these engines as part of this tourist site. It's great to see #9 and #12 running but they can not pull the loads the Shay's could nor have the power of #40 the previous operator used on the line. The Colorado Historical Society does not want to hear this and pushed the current operator to run these historic engines beyond their limits and both of them failed. This is why they both need major repairs after just a single season of operation. If they keep this up the Georgetown Loop will stop being operational and everyone losses. Colorado & Southern #9 in Silver Plum, September 4, 2006
It's those points Darren mentions, in his post previous to this one of mine, which instill my nagging doubts. :sad: Boxcab E50
How did I miss this thread? Darren has pretty much hit the nail on the head. The RR is in bad shape right now. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have any steam running this year. Hmm, diesels pulling narrow gauge trains - boring (unless you're in Alaska). I spoke with a guy who has been hired by CHS to work at the Lebonon Mine this summer. So they are expecting the train to be operational and to take tourists to the mine. I really haven't had my ear to the rail (pun intended) on this issue lately but I'll see what I can find out. Eric
Its great to see the GTL still around. I haven't been out to Colorado in over 12 years, figured it was time. I'm planing on taking the Amtrak though the Rockies to Grand Junction and drive back, stooping along to ride the steam. Looks like I might have to detore to Durango. I know its off topic a little, but did Central City ever get there steam running? (I may also be daydreaming about this) What other steam is in Colorado right now?
I can't argue your points guys, you are right of course. Maybe the solution is more engines and smaller trains (THAT would be great...can you see five or six moguls running daily up there ). CHS does need to understand that a compromise is necessary, not just for the sake of the engines, but as a safety rule as well. John
Darren has a great Adventures section! I also have some data on Colorado Railroads from last year that I plan on updating. Here's the current links: Northern Front Range Southern Front Range Northern Mountains Southern Mountains Those sections have specs on whether they're steam, etc. I don't think I've left anything out. If someone knows otherwise, I'd appreciate their letting me know.
