Progress In Como

It's been an interesting year in Como as the season comes to a close. While on the outside, it may appear that progress in Como has slowed down a little, I can assure you that this is not the case behind the scenes.

The water tank base has been completed and other progress made that includes the planning for the plumbing along with the new electrical systems going into the roundhouse and the water pump for the tank.

Below is picture taken by Richard Jackson back in 1929 showing the water tank and the back of the roundhouse. Below that is a picture taken by Todd Hackett about two months ago from roughly the same location. As time goes by, the bottom view is going to look more and more like the top view; but I think we want to keep the trees since they are the only trees on the whole site.




KMRy #4 has had the "Completion Project" re-evaluated and priorities set. After a few set backs that started in "Cheyenne", this project will be moving forward again shortly with our SPRS volunteers and a few of Randy Babcock's team members from the D&S shop. So Steam will be returning to Como but for now, thanks to our General Manager, Tom Lawson, we have the use of a 10-ton Plymouth to move things around in the yard.


Tim Clay and Paul Marizza, seen here, along with Mike Sharp and Bob Revis (Ops Manager) will shortly be working with the D&SNG Shop Crew to get KMRy #4 completed.


The "new" Plymouth for Como used to operate in Nevada as the "Tropicana Express". Thankfully, it will be getting a new paint job before it enters service in Como

In other news, we have a new restorations manager in place and he is currently working with myself to get C&S Boxcar #8179 restored and operational. The restoration of C&S NG rolling stock is one of the main reasons the SPRS was formed so we will see a few more restored C&S cars in Como in the future.

However, arguably the biggest "Step Forward" happened in the last week. Our South Park Rail Society president has just purchased the Como Hotel & Depot so now the whole historical Como Railyard site north of the Boreas Pass road is under the control of the SPR Society. To be clear, our partners at the DSP&PHS still hold a lease on the Depot and they will continue to develop the Depot Museum along with leading a few other projects that include the Como Water Tank project along with interests at other locations along the old C&S line. However the ownership of the Como property is now secured for future preservation.

Also, the plan for the renovation of the hotel is being developed. Work to begin soon. So in the near future, we could see hotel rooms, a Pub and maybe even a restaurant return to Como. Only now, the revenue will go to help support the Como Project overall. Hey, it worked for Bob Richardson

The Como Hotel & Depot taken a few weeks ago by Alexander Golman.

If you would like more information or would like to help support The Como Project, check out the website.South Park Rail Society