Some progress on yards turntable

I haven't had time to update this lately, but I have slowly been making progress.  Here's some photos of recent work on the first of two planned turntables, and more trackwork in both Ridgway and Durango.

This is a quicky update - I probably eventually post more details on each of these topics.  But briefly, besides the trackwork, there's outbuildings, and the beginnings of the Vance Jct location on the layout.

 

Matchings funds available now - for restoring RGS #20

Matching funds to help in the rebuilding of the RGS' most famous steam locomotive - #20 - have become available, up to $40,000.  To get those funds, we have to help match it.

Details here (and part of their announcement is below) - this is part of a continuing rebuild of RGS #20.

I have links to a number of updates & photos of the ongoing work in my RGS Remaining Equipment page, here:
http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/~rgsrr/rgs/remains.html#loco


Donation details here:
https://shop.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/SelectSKU.aspx?skuid=1002228&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Locomotive+20+donation&utm_campaign=February+2015+Telegrapher

Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 Donation Challenge

All Aboard! Throughout the history of our great state, we've always been able to accomplish great things together. And today, we ask you to come alongside and help us preserve one of Colorado's grand narrow-gauge locomotives and put Rio Grande Southern No. 20 back into service. Once restored, thousands of guests will have the distinct privilege of riding behind this magnificent Iron Horse right here at Colorado Railroad Museum. We want you to be among the first to hear, "all aboard." New Matching Grant of $40,000. We are delighted to announce that the Colorado Railroad Museum has identified matching funds of $40,000 dedicated to the final stage of restoration. That means your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $40,000 Please join us in the final stages of restoring No. 20, and take pride and satisfaction in what we hope will be your generous donation toward this gold nugget in Colorado railroad history. We've created a number of unique opportunities through which your financial support can be recognized and celebrated. Read up on how David Halliday Moffat used No. 20 in the Colorado Gold Rush By Clicking Here. Download your copy of the Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20 brochure here. Printed copies are available for pick-up at the Museum.

RGS on film - new videos!!!

This post is a about some recently discovered / published RGS film footage.

The first is a short but interesting clip featuring Goose #3 in 1935, plowing snow and later pulling into a crowded Dolores depot.  The Goose was nearly new, and in its original dark paint scheme.  Chris Weiser discovered this clip, and the Ridgway RR Museum noted it, in their Jan 2015 newsletter.

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/caught-by-the-camera-no-41

And while we're on the topic, you can subscribe to the museum's newsletter here; it's a great monthly e-publication packed with interesting news and history.  The folks our there in Ridgway are doing an amazing job preserving and promoting RGS history.

And the second piece of news is Greg Scholl's new Rio Grande Southern Memories video.  This is 49 minutes of priceless, high-quality color film.  I just had the chance to finally watch my new copy, and I can't really describe how amazing it is, to see in color, in action, so many scenes that I've seen in numerous black-and-white photos or models.

This video is by far the highest quality footage I've ever seen of the RGS.  There are other videos (my References page lists all I know of), but this one was shot with better cameras, and in color. 

Here's a sample of this new video: http://youtu.be/8j_JllyxU4E

Greg's production on this gives it a wonderful, poignant feel.  Well worth $30 people !!!

Vanadium Mill tank car body found, retrieved

The Durango Railroad Historical Society has located and retrieved an 1890's tank car body, which once served the Vanadium Mill near Placerville, on the RGS.

Details and video below:

http://www.drhs315.org/blog/1890s-tank-car-discovered/

Galloping Goose - nice article & photos

Here's a great article recently published on Goose #5, which lives in Dolores but gets around most summers.

http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20141008/DS03/141009853/-1/News