Re: 08-08-08 Working on the OB Pile Driver

Herb:

I wrote a history of the D&RGW OA-OZ equipment published by RRobb and a history of OB for the Prospector magazine. I am currently researching and writing a two volume history of D&RGW/RGS snow fighting operations and equipment and have extensive files of maintenance and repairs of this equipment.

The D&RGW shopped the narrow gauge cars regularly until the 1950s. D&RGW maintenace records show repairs almost every year to OB, Derrick OP, and the other wood frame equipment. One of the reasons they rebuilt the flangers with steel frames was to reduce maintenace costs. One report showed that it cost the D&RGW $300 each year to repair each flanger and that was 1930 dollars.

With regular mainteance and repairs, the OB could be used in regular service, but I do not think the C&TS and the Friends can afford to do that.

Jerry Day