Another Test In Georgetown *LINK*

Last night the #12 was tested again. Asked to push her limits by four cars and the #21 coupled behind her, starting on the grade below the bridge at the Lebanon Mine was all we could ask. Finally getting rolling you could jut hear her saying “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can”… What a performance. There is nothing in the world that sounds like a little 2-6-2 Prairie pushed right to the limits echoing in the valley. With sand in the sanders, she barked, straining in the tight curves to pick up steam once again on the straights up the steep grade. This was a test of her abilities and is more than will ever be asked of her again.
Let me tell you of the pride worn on the face of each and every person on that train last night. In a couple of short months, these people, led by Peter Gores, have taken the four bare walls of the shop in Silverplume and brought to life the feel and sounds of the past.
I will be the first to admit that there is a long way to go, and to match the performance of the Ashby family is impossible to ask of anyone. Their operation was “world class” and will never be surpassed, but to once again have steam on the loop is an accomplishment.
#12 will be the workhorse, #9 will be on line at some point this summer to handle the extras and with the 30/74 possibly next summer with others, a fine steam operation will again compliment the many Colorado Narrow Gauge Lines. We are very fortunate to be in this state of steam, living in the past.
Below is a link to a couple more photos on the Goat. I wish I had audio to accompany but please enjoy them.
Dan