Re: Why the San Juan Extension? Why not Rio Grande Motorways?

I could be wrong but it would my understanding that where the trains were unloaded is the same destination a truck would have unloaded. Rio Grande Motorway would not have delivered directly to the field. This concept of direct delivery for use (no storage before use) is now only been in use since the 90s. In the 60s and years before and after, the common practice was to bring materials and supplies to an area (inside or out) close, to be stored to be on hand for use prior to need. Always have a supply that will “work” for days and weeks before running out. Shipping was not an exact science and thus not dependable so a large supply was needed to cover for shipping breakdowns.

Then add onto this that the businesses were loyal to the railroad men whose jobs depended on the railroad working. The community included station agents, engine men and so on. This is why the two loads of “wallboard” that arrived by Rio Grande Motorway was rejected and not off loaded in Farmington, but sent back to Alamosa to be reloaded onto flats and sent back to Farmington but by rail as the contract had stated.

Phil.