315 operations on the C&TS

Looking ahead to the pending D&RGW # 315 visit to the C&TS this season I was wondering what historic equipment is ready to use with her. First I am going to assume that 315 will remain in her circa <1940 lettering style. Second I am assuming that caboose #0503 will not be ready to return to operation by opening day. So by default then #0579 would need to bring up the rear on any recreation of a freight or work train. Now referring to Grandt’s NG Pictorial Vol. V there are 2 pictures (pages 87/88) of 0579 with the Royal Gorge route herald. Interestingly both pictures, taken in June and November of 1938 show a single centered side cupola window. So when did 0579 get the double side windows installed and was it ever operated with double windows and the Royal Gorge herald (just assuming that Bill Kepner wouldn’t want to rework it to a single window version this spring ) Further, is there provision/ availability for using a top cupola mounted lantern? As an aside, are there any photos of other D&RGW/ RGS short cabooses with just one side cupola window (besides RGS 0409)?

As to freight equipment, what is the availability of non flying Rio Grande lettered freight equipment so that the summer of 1938 could be recreated exactly 70 years later? Based on D&RGW TT No. 125 (6/1/1949) tonnage ratings for #315 (350 tons Antonito to Cumbres & 106 tons Chama to Cumbres) how many stockcars (11 tons) plus 0579 (6 tons) would it be possible for 315 to handle up to Cumbres from Chama today? What other equipment consists can be put together with non Flying Grande lettered historic equipment that is operationally ready now? Seeing that there is only about 90 days to pull this all together inquiring minds want to know what is the plan, and who is calling the shots on 315 operations/ equipment?

DRHS photo




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2008 08:54PM by rod.