As promised I contacted folks at CHS regarding the delays etc. on the Georgetown Loop...to get it from the horses mouth. Here is the most salient part of the e-mail response: what is happening on the GTL The railroad decided to defer the season start by three weeks because it became clear that the maintenance for the #12 would be delayed. At first it was thought #12 would be ready, then when the delay became apparent we thought we could still open on a limited route using a small diesel. But that little diesel is normally used as a supplemental engine and had never proven that it could run for three weeks straight. So, ultimately, the decision to defer the season start date altogether was just a better option all around. The opening is scheduled for June 15 and at this point everything appears to be on-track. what CHS involvement is: Not quite sure exactly what this question is. The Colorado Historical Society has owned the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park since the mid-1950s. It has been acquiring and restoring historic rolling stock over the past several years. The rolling stock is operated by the site's vendor, Railstar. why there seem to be so many problems/delays: A confluence of several factors contributed to the resulting start day reschedule this year, including delays in finalizing scopes of work, finding and securing contractors that can fulfill specific state requirements, delays in parts and materials deliveries, and the weather. The Society and Railstar have identified these issues and are working to improve internal communications so they can coordinate project management with each other and selected vendors more efficiently. I'm not sure if I have answered your questions, so you may want to read the update that was sent out to the Clear Creek County community today, which I have attached. This is part of a series of updates that the Society sends out. Perhaps you will find it helpful. If you would like to see the past updates, just let me know. By the way, people are always welcome to come directly to us and ask. If you want to ask more questions, here is the e-mail address: Rebecca.Laurie@chs.state.co.us Additionally, here is the latest public update: C O L O R A D O H I S T OR I C A L S O C I E T Y June 5, 2007 Dear Loop Communication Committee Members: In an effort to keep you apprised of the latest developments at the Georgetown Loop Railroad®, please see the following update on a number of projects: · Winter Maintenance: During my visit with merchants over the Memorial Day weekend,people asked me about winter maintenance, funds available and why the season start date was delayed. There was over $400,000 budgeted for off-season maintenance to care for rolling stock, and track and site upgrades. Railstar assessed Engine #9 and #12 in October and November. Work commenced on both engines in January. All scopes of work prepared by Railstar were initiated by the Society once received. Selected vendors were contracted as quickly as possible. In some cases, contracts were delayed as vendors worked to meet state procurement requirements, such as insurance and bonding. After careful evaluation, I have determined that a confluence of several factors—delays in finalizing scopes of work, finding and securing contractors that can fulfill specific state requirements, weather and parts and materials deliveries—contributed to the resulting deferred season start. All of these issues will be addressed and corrected. #12: Rob Mangles of Transportation Innovation Specialist Inc. is scheduled to begin reassembling the locomotive today. The work will be done in cooperation with Railstar Corporation staff. The boiler re-tubing is completed and hydrostatic test is scheduled with the Boiler Inspector. The last axle and wheels are scheduled to be pressed together in Denver the week of June 4. #21: Diesel engine #21, the “Critter,” is being used for track maintenance. A second evaluation of the locomotive is being scheduled due to knocking in the engine. #1203: The larger diesel-electric locomotive #1203 continues to undergo restoration in Baker City, Oregon. Sumpter Valley Railroad has reported that the oil cooler is leaking. The cooler has been removed and sent for repairs. The Society is waiting on an update report and assessment on the work schedule. We will be scheduling an inspection of the locomotive as soon as my office gets a revised schedule. #111: Uhrich Locomotive Works continues their work on the restoration of Engine #111. Steven Butler of Mid-West Locomotive met on site with Marlin Uhrich yesterday to review the schedule and work completed to date. #9: The Society is finalizing the contract on the #9 restoration with CDOT. The board approved a resolution to accept the funds. The signed contract will be sent back to CDOT to be fully executed. Track inspections: The track has been inspected by Railroad Specialty. Ties, rail and gauges have been repaired and replaced. There are a few minor items that need to be completed. Bridge: The low bridges have been evaluated by GH Weaver, a structural engineering firm to verify load capacity. The Society is waiting on a final report. At the same time, the firm of SEH Engineering is verifying the load capacity of the high bridge. Site Improvements: Designs for a new storage shed at Devils Gate have been drafted by the engineer. Staff has reviewed and provided comment. Pricing has been initiated. New parking signage in Silver Plume has been installed along the frontage road. CDOT has been contacted concerning repairing the fence next to the rail yard. Enclosed Passenger cars - gondolas and new purchases: Jason Midyette has completed the minor repairs to the excursion cars. There are two cars that need more extensive repairs. That work will be scheduled ASAP. The Society has purchased a narrow-gauge enclosed coach. Restoration work will be scheduled ASAP. Two other cars will be purchased, with a goal to begin offering at least three covered and heated coach cars to meet and/or extend service in the early spring and late fall. This will provide improved customer service. Marketing: The Society and Railstar Corp. will be working with the community to advertise the railroad’s opening on the June 15th weekend. We certainly appreciate your continued support. I will continue to keep you apprised of any new developments. With best regards, Joseph Bell, Division Director Facilities and Regional Museums Colorado Historical Society Hope this helps. Seems CHS is indeed working hard behind the scenes to make this thing work, along with Railstar. John
I just heard the plan is to steam up #12 this weekend. Here's hoping they have a good test and can start next weekend.
