Thanks everyone, for making me feel so welcome. All your input really helped. Here is my latest offering...The Georgetown Loop.
BTW, latest news I hear the current bridge is in need of repair and "might" have to be toren down and rebuilt again. More later... :tb-err: :tb-err: :tb-err: :tb-err:
Photo Postcard Based on other postcards I have seen from that era I would but it at about 1885... :tb-nerd: :tb-nerd: :tb-nerd:
loop loco zoom After all I've been reading about Georgetown and the recent trouble. Good God... I hope they don't have to rebuild!!! Hey...here's an extreme close-up of the engine if anyone is curious
NEWS - Georgetown Loop bridge repair Being Reported in the November 2007 Issue of "The Colorado Time-Table" newspaper. An engineering report commissioned by the Colorado Historical Society may lead to significant changes for the "pin truss" bridge on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. The bridge which is the first bridge over Clear Creek on the way down from Silver Plume, was also the first bridge to be installed when reconstruction of the Georgetown Loop started in 1973. The bridge was relocated from the standard gauge Owl Canyon branch of the Colorado & Southern, north of Fort Collins. The engineering report concluded that the bridge had "exceeded its normal lifespan by 40 years" and was in need of repair or replacement. Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc., the firm that designed the Loop's "High Bridge," will engineer the repairs to the Pin Truss bridge. According to some reports, the Pin Truss bridge will be reinforced by placing new steel beams underneath it to carry all of the weight. The old bridge structure will then remain intact, through "decorative" as it will not be asked to carry any of the load of passing trains. Repairs to the bridge are expected to start this fall and be completed before the start of the 2008 season.
Well, what is described for "repairs", sounds very reasonable. At first, this sounded as though the whole structure would be condemned. Boxcab E50
Yes, it was much better news that I thought I had heard was coming out on the report. I was fearful it was the "High Bridge" so hearing it was the Pin Truss bridge cuased me to let out a big sigh of relief. More News also to report on the GTL that won't be much of a surprise. Ridership for 2007 is expected to be down; well below the 2006 numbers. 2007: 41,000-to-51,000 Estimate (Unofficial) 2006: 72,600 2005: 65,600 Previous Operator using the Shay Engines which can pull more cars 2004: 120,000 Also to Note Engine #12 finish the 2007 season in need of repair Engine #9 in need of major repairs; Never operational in 2007 Engine #111 is hopefully to be ready for usage by the 2008 season
Huh? If it was built in or around 1973 how could it have exceeded its normal lifespan by 40 years? Am I missing something? Is it not 2007? Adam
This year would be difficult to use, in judging ridership. With their late opening. Although I'm still not impressed by reports from the area. They've got a long ways to go, in order to reach older levels. And I have a feeling such a goal will be difficult to attain. If ever achieved. Once bad vibes go out, it can take a long time for the public to return. They'll need better steam. And to employ someone who is a master of rail tourism PR. Requires expending $$$ up front. Boxcab E50
