Georgetown Loop Up-Date

C O L O R A D O H I S T OR I C A L S O C I E T Y

July 10, 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.

• #12: Rob Mangles of Transportation Innovation Specialist Inc. has been working with Railstar Corporation to address needs detailed in June/July. Railstar will address these repairs with the existing operational budget to insure that the engine is in good working order to maintain operations throughout the 2007 season. Work will be done in cooperation with Railstar Corporation staff. The engine is scheduled to receive additional work as necessary during the evening hours.

• #1203: The Society has inspected the larger diesel-electric locomotive #1203 with Bruce Knight a qualified diesel locomotive inspector. A number of items were pointed out to Sumpter Valley and will be addressed. The engine was successfully started on July 7, and will now undergo a series of tests by Sumpter Valley. The Society is working to confirm a delivery schedule after the locomotive is certified.

• #111: Work continues on the locomotive’s restoration. Steve Butler has been working with Marlin Uhrich on the work and schedule. Ongoing site visits are scheduled for the next few months.

• #9: CDOT will be forwarding the fully executed contract back to the Society this month. Once received, the work on #9 will be advertised.

• Enclosed Passenger cars - gondolas and new purchases: Jason Midyette completed the repairs on car #1157 and it has been returned to service. Work will commence on car #1089 on July 11, 2007. Once completed, that car will be ready for service.

The Society finalized the purchase of three narrow-gauge enclosed coaches. Repair work is underway at Hamilton Construction in Washington State. The company is tentatively scheduled to deliver the cars in August.

• Site work: The parking area at the Silver Plume rail yard will be re-graveled. This will be scheduled ASAP and in the evening as to not inconvenience passenger service.

The storage shed design for Devil’s Gate Station has been drafted and is being refined for construction bid.

The Pin Trust and High Bridge are under further analysis to assess maximum concentrated loadings. Structural engineers are working on load models to verify structural capacity and address any wear and age issues.

• Marketing: Railstar Corporation has been working to advertise the railroad’s 2007 season within the local print media. Ads are regularly scheduled. Trains are regularly sold-out.

There have also been a number of advertising opportunities with both video and television spots.


I will continue to keep you apprised of any new developments and look forward to seeing everyone at the next Loop Communication Committee meeting next week.

With best regards,

Joseph Bell, Division Director
Facilities and Regional Museums
Colorado Historical Society