Hello Everyone!
I am very pleased and elated to tell all that Colorado & Southern No.9 is very much alive and doing well back on her home rails of the Georgetown Loop. She operated both Saturday and Sunday of last weekend (15th and 16th), double-heading with No.12. A couple more test runs were performed on the evening of Sunday 7-16, and she is now in regular service while the No.12 gets some attention in the shop.
From my limited steam locomotive experience, I have to say that No.9 is the most sensitive and touchy engine I've ever seen! She reacts to every little thing you do, as fireman OR engineer. She has a great sounding, sharp exhaust, and a beautiful C&S 5 chime whistle. I was fortunate enough to blow her whistle while crossing the Devil's Gate High Bridge. I'm pretty sure the residents of Georgetown heard her loud and clear as those whistles echoed down the canyon. What a beautiful sound!
Here are some photos for all to enjoy and drool over....this was steaming up and servicing on Saturday morning
~Shane