Trains of the Colorado Railroad Museum

Over 100 historic standard and narrow gauge locomotives and railroad

cars are displayed on the grounds. Included in the collection is #191, Colorado's oldest steam locomotive which is now under going restoration in the roundhouse. Three Galloping Geese, #2, #6 and #7 also can be seen.

The Galloping Geese were products of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Seven Gooses were built in the 1930's in an effort to starve off bankruptcy. The RGS railroad held the contract to deliver mail to the mountains towns. When the cost of operating coal engines became too much, automobile drive trains were mated to narrow gauge rail equipment and the Geese were born. A total of seven Geese were built and they ran between Durango and Ridgeway from the mid 1930's to the early 1950's.

Very nice quality steam and diesel engines are on display. Many with cars attached just like they were still in operation. A few can be boarded for closer inspection. Although the trains will not budge, many of the controls move. Go ahead, play with them and be sure to go "toot-toot"

The whole place is just like a giant model railroad set. Cars and trains placed and ready to roll at any time. While they look like toys, they are real and waiting for exploration.

So many of the cars are open for visitors to climb aboard and the cars are waiting to be examined. Check out the fixtures and the fittings. Notice that the seats can be quickly configured so one sit facing either direction.

Sit down, close your eyes and just wonder how it must have been traveling through the Colorado Rockies as smoke from the engine swirled around the car as it was in constant motion, rocking back and forth, jerking forward then backward as the train traveled over the rails. What a ride it must have been.

 

There is even a snow blower large enough to handle some of the biggest drifts around.

Tell me this would not be great to have at home? The neighbors would love you.

 

 

 

Forget the refrig in the garage, here is a man's size cooler. Sad part was it was already empty.

 

 

Your last stop after you circle the grounds must be the Robert W. Richardson Library. This recently completed building houses over 10,000 railroad books and pamphlets. Over 25,000 pictures, plus countless thousands pieces of other artifacts.

We witnessed a very neat thing while we were in the library. A visitor was telling the volunteer that his grandfather had worked for the railroad. After asking a few questions the volunteer went behind a rack of books and when he returned a few minutes later he had one of the grandfathers time cards. It was from December 1936. History.

It was a well spent day and worth every minute. If it had not been for a snow storm and bad mountain roads we would have not found this little bit of treasure.

While there are many places to visit while in the Denver area, the Colorado Railroad Museum should be high on your list.

 

 

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