I decided that since I was in Denver this weekend, why not go on to Ridgway and look at the confusing partial circle seen in various images from space that may or may not be part of the turntable pit. After about an hour or so of walking in circles (ha-ha) I've decided I can't tell. It very well may be a wet spot that supports sedges instead of brush that has nothing to do with the turntable. There are other areas in the field that aren't circular, but exhibit the same vegetation pattern. The thing that appears to run down the center of the circle is a ridge of dirt and rocks that I can't relate to anything other than where an earth moving machine of some sort left it. In the north west corner(?), I did find a clump of larger rocks in a cement matrix that could have been part of the pit wall, but it could have been a piece of some foundation as well. I didn't find anything I thought was a railroad tie in the immediate area, but I did find several boards. The point may be moot anyhow. There was a sign at the corner of Railroad Street and Hyde indicating some of the area had been proposed for development. My bottom line is, the circle appears to just be a circle. It certainly had me going, though.
The original turntable pit and roundhouse remains are still in place, though I thought it was a little less distinct. It is obvious that kids play in the ruins and re-arrange the bricks and other remains. More houses are being built to the east. One wonders how long the original yard remains will survive.
Less depressing, I was amazed at how much has been done by the Ridgway Railroad Museum crew and, just as promised, the shelter was in the process of being taken down and moved. I also stopped in Como on the way and kudos the them as well. I was impressed with the work of both groups.
I'm heading back to Kansas in the morning, so if there is anything anyone wants me to check out in Ridgway tomorrow, let me know ASAP.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2018 09:17PM by Jim Marlett.
