Re: Roswell turntable question

Bob, I can't answer that question since I haven't spent a whole lot of time in the Springs since the early 70s, but I well remember the CRI&P roundhouse at Roswell. It was a neat, two or three stall affair with the turntable.

The C. Springs section of the Rocky Mt. Rocket in steam days was often pulled by a smallish 4-6-2 but I never saw them turn it on that turntable. The Rocket's power and consist was serviced and turned there, and then sent back south to the D&RGW Depot the next morning for eastbound departure. I believe the whole train was turned on the wye there. I do know the engine was sometimes uncoupled and run across the table into a stall in the roundhouse, but I don't know if this was SOP, or if it was only when something needed attention.

There was often a caboose stored in one of the stalls as well, and when I got a bit older and was able to prowl the roundhouse with a couple other kids, we were often invited to sit up in the cupola and cool off on hot summer days. Never got a ride in it, though. Fun times, I wish I had appreciated it then as much as I do now.

Ed