Re: UP Closing Burnham Shops

Ed Stabler Wrote:
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> 3I wonder if there are any machine tools or
> anything else which would be of use in either
> Chama or Antonito which could be obtained from the
> UP when they shut down Burnham. I don't suppose
> the UP would consider donating useful equipment
> even if that equipment did exist, even though it
> would certainly be good PR. -- Ed


Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I worked at Burnham and North Yard for over 20 years. When the SP/DRGW merger happened, Burnham was gutted of all machine tools, and air brake repair and testing equipment. All was eventually sold. The CRRM, through the efforts of the air balcony foreman got the K triple valve test stand, which one dummy out there destroyed. I was able to get all of the 11 inch air pumps that were used as booster pumps for shop air, and repair parts. Also all of the obsolete feed valves that were laying around the place. All of this was done above board with blessing from the MM. We also must remember that the third rail at the old coach shop was needed and used for the construction of the steel Silverton coaches, and later the rebuilding of the wood cars including the "modifications" to the 168 and 212. When the UP took over they finished by scraping anything that was not nailed down. There is nothing left there, that I know about, that would be of any use to Durango or Chama.