Some writings has been offered as to why Golden was picked.
During a trip with Uncle Bob to some clandestine location of a then abandoned railroad that
exact question was asked.
Apparently, a number of locations had been discussed, one interesting one (besides Como) was
Poncha Jct at the wye location of the old 3rd Div. main line. Plenty of room and reduced cost
on moving the equipment. But not near people and off the vacationers path. There were other
places that have now been forgotten. But what it came down to was this: Close to a major population
center. Easy to get help both Vol and industrial and a place en route for those vacationing in Colorado.
While a trade off of sorts, it served the purpose.
One time the property to the north was for sale and a few of us thought and mentioned that we really
should look into purchasing it, even if later on we needed to sell part of it to make ends meet.
But as usual, money was the stumbling block.
Also at the time, when the C&S was getting rid of steam, there was so much material that could have
been given to or purchased for little or no money. Again, nobody could see far enough down the road
to take advantage of the situation. A number of items could have been used to support the operation
and some of the material could have been sold to other operations. In the early years money was tight.
It came from the motel operation, sales at the gift shop, the auctions, donations and later, memberships.
As for pole barns to cover the equipment, check out Illinois Railway Museum. Hundreds of pieces of
equipment most of it under roof. Protected yes, but difficult to photograph. But to their credit, a very active
and loyal group of volunteers and managers that have done extremely well over many years obtaining and
preserving transportation equipment.
CRRM has come a long way from the early days, the first 10-15 years the location move from Alamosa.
You now have a great group of volunteers, historians and employees not to speak of all the equipment,
buildings and those who support the operations via donations etc. that make a vibrant historical foundation.
Glad to have been part of the early volunteers that were able to help. While not often known, a number of
railroaders who were still in service at the time provided great instruction to many of us younger people.
Glad I purchased a life membership early on!!!! While it wasn't always a smooth operation, thru the years, all of your
planning, hard work and concern has paid off. And from one who was around at the beginning, Nicely done!
BTW, the old farm house was neat in many ways, the second floor, however, was not!! Thanks to Bobs' cats
it was very much uninhabitable. But I do miss Bob's cold cucumber/onion sandwiches in the summer.
More later - maybe with some pictures to add the flavor.
Chris A.