Ridgway news: RGS 252, Car C, train shed

Just an update for everyone from the Ridgway, Colorado Railroad Museum.

1) We have our building permit for the 150 feet by 35 foot steel train shed, footings have been dug, we pour footing concrete next Wednesday, and the building has been ordered. Should be complete by late summer. While response from members and other contributors has been strong, we still need funds for this $60,000 project to avoid completely draining our bank account. www.ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org.

2) We expect to move RGS passenger coach 252 from Monte Vista to Ridgway on Monday, May 23rd. We still need correct passenger trucks, so restoration will begin with it sitting on ties. At the same time we will be moving D&RG Caboose 0575 (the Ouray caboose) from its current display track to our (adjacent) new primary display track, where it will be joined by the re-created RGS locomotive 36 sometime next summer. This is only about a 100 foot move, but we can do it at the same time we place the 252 because we'll have a crane on site.

3) Historic D&RG Business Car C is still available, we are asking $10,000 or a set of correct passenger car trucks for the 252 in trade. This kitchen/commissary car was built by Jackson and Sharp in 1880 as part of a special train used by General Manager Dodge, as well as other dignitaries, including William Henry Jackson. It was later used as a railway post office and as a bunk car. We have done considerable basic restoration toward its original configuration, including asbestos remediation, replacing all exterior siding, frame reconditioning, restoring the original window framing configuration, and new roofing materials.

4) The re-creation of the RGS Model T inspection car (also known as the W. D. Lee car) is complete and on display. It's really cool!

If you're in southwestern Colorado, stop by and see us. Hours are 10 - 3 in May, and 9 - 5 June 1 through October 1, then 10 - 3 in October, seven days a week. Admission is free.