Memories of 1744

Southern Pacific 1744 only ran on the San Luis & Rio Grande for one season memorable season - 2007. 1744 had been restored to operation for the New Orleans & Gulf Coast, a shortline operation in the New Orleans area. The operation there only ran for a few months before it was shuttered and 1744 was stored. She lived outside under a shreading tarp and lived through Hurricane Katrina that left her storage spot under a foot of water. Iowa Pacific bought #1744 and had it trucked to Alamosa. Some items had to be removed for shipment, but the engine was largely intact when it got to Alamosa. After firing 1744 up and running it around the Alamosa Yard, we made a test run to Antonito on May 21, 2007. At that time the SLRG was storing a number of UP former PFE reefer cars. We grabbed a cut of 10 cars and headed out. Here our reefer block is sitting in Alamosa, getting its air test done.


In addition to running passenger trains to La Veta and return, we did a few "extra curricular" activities such as running to Antonito on June 13 with the intent of meeting RGS Galloping Goose #5. Alas, #5 didn't make it, but 1744 got to meet up with #487.


September saw 1744's only fan trip outings as Trains Unlimited did two days of round trips to La Veta and return. The first day was a mixed train, while the second day was our regular passenger consist. Here in the pre-dawn light of September 20, 1744 gets ready to head east.


The same train working up through the loop below the summit of La Veta Pass at Fir.


Returning that afternoon 1744 works hard up the 3% grade at Occidental Siding.