Actually Ross, the last narrow gauge train ran from Montrose to Ouray on March 21st 1953. On April 1, 1953, the line between Montrose and Ridgway was standard gauged....in one day. Every third tie was replaced with a standard gauge tie. Then the crew simple spread the rails apart to 4'8.5". That way the rails were still on the edge of the narrow gauge ties and in the correct location on the new standard gauge ties. Then over the next few months, all the ties were replaced with standard gauge ties.
Any pictures on the interior of the Beaumont? I have not been in it since it re-opened.
Jerry
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/03/2010 12:11PM by jalbers.