Re: Alamosa May 29 1949

Jim McKee Wrote:
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> Thanks Jimmy. It appears that train service on
> the Valley line has become rather iffy.

Yep, I've heard it was down to once or twice a month by this time. Remember, two more days and the Black Canyon line (Sapinero - Cedar Creek) is done & will be scrapped by the end of July. Next fall the Grande applies to the ICC (8/29/49) to abandon the Alamosa branch (valley line) and to the Colorado PUC (9/28/49) to stop running the San Juan

The Penultimate Contraction (1949-53) has began. From over 750 miles (1949, including RGS) of 3' & 3-rail tracks to around 320 miles(1954) in just 5 years. since the end of the conversion era (1887 - 1906, Montrose - Grand Jct + North Fork Branch being the last) the Grande had lopped a branch here and there (biggest year 1941- Santa Fe branch) but now it was mainlines and over half the system in just 5 years.[1]

hank

[1] Note: Penultimate Contraction & Conversion Era are my very own terms. fell free to use 'em if you like!