Shay #8 has come to Canon City to reside. It will be a static display at the Royal Gorge Route station, with no present plans to run. Cost to return to operating condition is estimated to be in the $500,000 range. It was rumored at one time, after the lease was taken from the successful Georgetown Loop operators and given to another operator, that the shays might run on up the Royal Gorge on the Union Pacific owned track (leased for use by the Royal Gorge Route and Rock and Rail). But costs to lay third rail on the trafficed line would have been prohibitive, if even allowed. So for the time being a grand and historic locomotive has found a new home. Who knows what it's future might be. There is always the hope that the engine will one day find new life echoing it's whistles through the deep rock walls of the Arkansas River. David Freehling Canon City, CO
I am glad to hear that the engine will at least stay in Colorado. I would love to see it returned to operating status and perhaps that will yet happen, but in the mean time it is at least available for people to see.
Hey David, when you get a chance drop us a photograph of it sitting in it's new location. :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin:
i'll try to get one this week. it's raining today and may turn to snow. weekend is supposed to be sunny again. i'm glad it's here, but wish it were operating. there was talk a while back about Royal Gorge Route buliding their own depot east of town and adding narrow gauge operations. maybe this is step in that direction -- maybe not at all related. haven't heard any more about it. dave f.
Here's Shay #8 at the Royal Gorge Route Depot in Canon City, CO. They've given her a nice place to rest and she is getting attention! What i wouldn't give to hear her whistle blow and echo through the down town. Maybe someday. 12:30am "Circus Train" ready to depart with the Shay near the depot (3/16/08): Dave f.
A few more shots of the Shay in Canon City. (forget the time stamp on the lower corner -- it's off by about three years! ha ha ha). That Bobber caboose is the real deal -- C&S narrow gauge. Dave F.
