https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/index.php Sun, 24 May 2026 16:34:45 -0600 Phorum 5.2.20 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485723,485723#msg-485723 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485723,485723#msg-485723 [attachment 103222 476-473Dur5.23.810002psresize.JPG]
476 leads 473 out of Durango.

[attachment 103223 476-473Hermosa5.23.810000psresize.JPG]
...and make a run for Hermosa Hill. That little cottonwood partially blocking 476 is now over 50' high.]]> Earl Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 16:06:16 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485717,485717#msg-485717 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485717,485717#msg-485717
San Juan Gato
Burney Ft Collins

Jimmy
[attachment 103219 10.jpg]]]> Jimmy Blouch Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 14:47:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485704,485704#msg-485704 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485704,485704#msg-485704 david090 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 16:20:51 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485703,485703#msg-485703 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485703,485703#msg-485703 jgp1843 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 21:24:23 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485699,485699#msg-485699 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485699,485699#msg-485699 TexasColorado982 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 16:06:27 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485698,485698#msg-485698 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485698,485698#msg-485698 [attachment 103214 Hayse-044300dpi8x10-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 16:10:14 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485688,485688#msg-485688 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485688,485688#msg-485688 [attachment 103207 EarlyMill-notMSP.JPG]

This is a photo of the same general area today:
[attachment 103208 IMG_4917a.JPG]

Next we drove up to Soquel Meadow. This was the site of Madera Flume & Trading Company's mill from 1881 - 1893. MF&T succeeded California Lumber in 1878 and brought fresh capital & talent into the operation. The new mill was constructed using equipment from Soquel, California (near Santa Cruz). I had visited this area last fall, but wanted to try and find more of the railroad grade that Betsy had used. Here is a photo of Soquel Mill in operation with Betsy & a log train:
[attachment 103209 IMG_2905a.JPG]

There were Lidar map indications that a railroad grade may have transversed the upper end of Soquel Meadow. Here's a photo of the meadow with Fresno Dome in the background:
[attachment 103210 IMG_4924a.JPG]

I had placed a pin onto my phone's maps of the location I wanted to check, but when we were out in the woods I could not get the pin to load. The end result was about 45 minutes of tromping around a beautiful meadow, but no railroad grade found. I later determined we were very close to the desired location so we'll have to make another trip. Being spring in the Sierra, there were many beautiful flowers blooming including this snow plant:
[attachment 103211 IMG_4921a.JPG]

More later...]]> Dave Peterson Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 09:30:07 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485674,485674#msg-485674 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485674,485674#msg-485674 [attachment 103204 Messenger_creation_1304120837887190.jpeg]
[attachment 103205 Messenger_creation_1019802410397447.jpeg]

Today engine 481 ran it's first test run since being converted to burn oil. This was the first time the engine had moved itself in over 2 years. Along with the oil conversion, about 85% of the firebox was replaced. New rear tube sheet, side sheets, door sheet, and partial crown sheet. This sets the engine up to be in fantastic shape for decades to come. The engine also received new crosshead guide bars. The oil conversion copies our other already successful fleet of oil morning locomotives, with a improvements added with lessons learned.

We have a great crew in Durango that are true craftsmen. Everything from the running gear work, the new plumbing for an oil burner, to the metal fabrication of new floors and door damper chutes, to the guy who runs all the copper pipes in the most logical, and eye pleasing way.

We are very proud of our team here in Durango, and look forward to seeing the engine re-enter service soon]]> Will Gant Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 17:05:13 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485663,485663#msg-485663 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485663,485663#msg-485663

[www.ebay.com]

T3]]> ToltecTalk Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 22 May 2026 18:02:41 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485639,485639#msg-485639 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485639,485639#msg-485639 Mason2-6-6t Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 22 May 2026 23:25:02 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485637,485637#msg-485637 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485637,485637#msg-485637 [attachment 103186 dsp17.jpg]]]> Mason2-6-6t Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 22 May 2026 22:28:22 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485627,485627#msg-485627 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485627,485627#msg-485627
[attachment 103181 IMG_2526.jpeg]
[attachment 103182 IMG_3660.jpeg]
[attachment 103183 IMG_3658.jpeg]]]> jalbers Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 10:56:19 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485625,485625#msg-485625 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485625,485625#msg-485625 JoaoVictor4268 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 14:37:15 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485622,485622#msg-485622 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485622,485622#msg-485622 Jim McKee Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 23 May 2026 08:54:21 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485614,485614#msg-485614 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485614,485614#msg-485614
Sometime that week I took this shot of 489 undergoing the final touches of her initial return to service.
[attachment 103175 1-489Chama5.810000psresize.jpg]]]> Earl Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 24 May 2026 08:50:30 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485606,485606#msg-485606 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485606,485606#msg-485606 Thanks Jeff and your crew for putting on a great show and it was great seeing friends that live here and around the country.
Here are a few of about 200 I'll be busy working on.

[attachment 103171 491OnTheTable.jpg]

[attachment 103172 StartYourEngines.jpg]

[attachment 103173 WaitingForASign.jpg]

[attachment 103174 2For2.jpg]]]> round_house Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 21 May 2026 03:29:05 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485600,485600#msg-485600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485600,485600#msg-485600
[ngdiscussion.net]

[attachment 103169 547695_503156763035077_527991121_n.jpg]

Here shows a picture by Richard Jackson of what they were replaced with dated for 8-15-1949. This was posted by William Reed on Facebook. By the looks of the picture and off of just tie condition it looks like they have been here a while. Thanks for the help!

[www.facebook.com]

[attachment 103170 691318893_2249351785832557_3315836443493405336_n.jpg]]]> evankamp Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 21 May 2026 08:05:15 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485596,485596#msg-485596 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485596,485596#msg-485596 [attachment 103168 DSC02384-Copy.JPG]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 20 May 2026 12:30:11 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485585,485585#msg-485585 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485585,485585#msg-485585 The Train Tracker Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 21 May 2026 20:11:53 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485584,485584#msg-485584 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485584,485584#msg-485584
Can somebody who actually knows what is wrong with the boiler weigh in on this?

I'm curious as to why she was set aside since 1979.]]> kcsivils Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 20 May 2026 19:05:30 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485569,485569#msg-485569 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485569,485569#msg-485569 [attachment 103165 whitepass108-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 16:33:23 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485555,485555#msg-485555 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485555,485555#msg-485555 Bill Gould
Volunteer since 1978
Director Emeritus CRRM
And best position, Goose rebuilder and operator (all 3)]]> HAICH OMANDIER Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 18:43:05 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485542,485542#msg-485542 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485542,485542#msg-485542 page my 315 picture Crossing The High Bridge was open to. This was taken in 2007 when 315 made its first run to Silverton after the rebuild
on a 3 day charter with Trains Unlimited Tours. It was taken with a Nikon point and shoot and there was no such thing as raw yet.
It seems it still has life.

If you don't have this book in your collection it's a must have.

[attachment 103158 315AtHighBridge.jpg]

[attachment 103159 315BookCover.jpg]

[attachment 103160 315BookPicture.jpg]]]> round_house Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 13:55:36 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485539,485539#msg-485539 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485539,485539#msg-485539
Does anyone have any other information on that project?

Kurt]]> Kurt Maechner Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 22 May 2026 20:21:29 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485525,485525#msg-485525 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485525,485525#msg-485525
30 Minute video of the Zoom Meeting:
The Zoom Meeting Video

And there is a report for this one:
Emergency meeting report]]> Sam Seiber Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 12:40:11 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485522,485522#msg-485522 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485522,485522#msg-485522
We are excited to invite you to our May episode of A Heritage Worth Preserving. This month we will be joined by Jimmy Booth, Jeff Taylor, and John Bush to discuss Rio Grande Locomotive 223 and plans for the restoration.

This month's guests are:

Jeff Taylor: Curator of Rolling Stock & Equipment at the Colorado Railroad Museum and Secretary of the 223 Foundation.
Jimmy Booth: Founding member of the Narrow Gauge Preservation Foundation and is President of the 223 Foundation.
John Bush: Retired President/General Manager of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and is a director for the 223 Foundation with long-term involvement in 223’s preservation efforts.

When:

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 6 pm Mountain, 5 pm Pacific

Where:

Join here: [teams.microsoft.com]

OR [bit.ly]

Meeting ID: 269 002 946 986 8

Passcode: SH6zz28j

Joining the event usually requires only clicking the link. However, in some cases you may be prompted to copy and paste the Meeting ID and Passcode.

If you are joining from a mobile device, you may need to download the Microsoft Teams app and will be provided a link to do so upon trying to join the meeting. Once downloaded, you will be able to click the link and join the call.

Please note, if you are joining us from a device that is logged into another organization’s Teams account, you may need to logout to join as a guest, depending on your organization’s internal settings.


Need help or have technical questions about joining the event? Contact us at kswalser@fctsrr.org. ]]> gregcoit Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 18 May 2026 17:13:18 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485503,485503#msg-485503 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485503,485503#msg-485503 [attachment 103137 SVRRHansenCol.49-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 20 May 2026 21:29:35 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485490,485490#msg-485490 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485490,485490#msg-485490

In between runs of the regular train, 315 ran up the hill to take on water at No Agua. 20 was parked in the run around track for some time after being the helper for 315 earlier in the day. Just after this was taken, 20 backed down, followed by 315 to run another series of double headers.
[attachment 103133 NoAgua.jpeg]

After the last regular passenger train was run, the 315 was backed onto the freight train and made several laps around the loop. Both 315's freight and 20's passenger train (no passengers onboard) ran at the same time, so it was pretty neat to see two full trains running on the museum's loop.
[attachment 103134 315YardLimit.jpg]

315 coming up the grade with its freight train.
[attachment 103135 315Freight.jpg]

At the end of the day 491, 20, 318, and 315 were all lined up at the roundhouse for photos.
[attachment 103136 Roundhouse.jpg]


I may end up posting a few more photos below this one later today or tomorrow.]]> Owen Grenfell Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 20:02:38 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485455,485455#msg-485455 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485455,485455#msg-485455 [attachment 103122 DJI_20260516121032_0043_D_RPR_forum.jpg]]]> 5retainers Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 18 May 2026 21:19:03 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485437,485437#msg-485437 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,485437,485437#msg-485437 rehunn) passed away last week.

Unfortunately, that's all the information I have.]]> Chris Webster Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 19 May 2026 14:04:19 -0600