Time Table Article (June 2000)

D&RGW #483 Focus Of Fundraising.
CHAMA NM - An informal group has been formed to aid in the restoration of Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge locomotive #483. The "Friends of D&RGW #483" was created to raise money to help return the locomotive to service. A small first step in the restoration process was taken on May 4th when #483 was moved inside one of the original stalls of the Chama Roundhouse. The 483 will soon be joined inside by locomotive #492. Both locomotives need to have the asbes- tos insulation removed from their boilers, and the C&TS felt that this would be easier done in an enclosed building. Merely getting the locomotives under shelter is an important step in preserving them,as rain water causes the insulation to ad as a "wet blanket' around the boiler and causes it to rust from the outside in. #483 was the only operablelocomotive when the states of Colorado & New Mexico purchased the Cumbres and Toltec from the D&RGW in 1970. The locomotive was used extensively in the early years of the C&TS, but was taken out of service in 1977, in need of boiler repairs. Since then, it has served as a parts source for other locomotives and its condition has slowly deteriorated. The cost to return#483 to service has been estimated at $500,000. Donations to the Friends of the 483 will be deposited in a special account held by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Com- mission and used exclusively for the restoration of #483. The Commission was created by the states of Colorado and New Mexico to oversee the railroad. Donations can be sent to Friends of D&RGW #483 c/o Roger Hogan, PO. Box 1096, Chama NM 87520. More information is available on the Friends of 483s website, www.drgw483.com. A timetable for the restoration has not yet been established More than likely it will be based upon the availability of funds.