Re: 268?

The bell disappeared before #268 was taken out of service in July 1955. Probably an inside job. The bell was still missing in late 1950s photos of the loco in Legion Park. The railroad replaced it at some point (maybe when they borrowed it in 1959?). I have never heard of the original bell reappearing in Gunnison.

Most of the trainmen in those final years actually lived in Salida and worked the line over Marshall Pass to Gunnison, as needed. They bunked in Gunnison and made the local runs to Crested Butte, Sapinero, and Baldwin.

That generation is gone. It's been 60 years. The bell has likely been sold by someone's heirs to a party outside of Gunnison/Salida by now. If you happen to have a Rio Grande bell and don't know it's heritage, I'd suggest sanding a small spot on the base to see if you find Rio Grande Gold paint.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2015 10:22PM by larryjensen.