Re: Central City & Silver Plume 1975-76

If I may chime in. The late 70s at the Loop had a major impact on my future life. Dad brought my brother, sister and myself up to Silver Plume many summer weekends to volunteer building track -- until Mom put the kibosh on the deal. Seems like she was getting lonely!

We would sleep in the caboose, Silver Plume depot, or in the car, and I got to do all sorts of things that seem impossible now. Like riding the cab of the 44 with Rick and "Uncle" Roy, riding atop a push car loaded with ties as it coasted to end of track, riding diesel 15, and trying to help build track (I was all of 9 years old or so). My big contribution was sweeping ballast (dirt) off the newly laid ties. The whole experience definitely set me up for a passion for Colorado steam, mountain railroads, history, and the humble value of getting dirty doing good, physical labor. Not to mention my future career working on tourist trains, i.e. the Fort Collins trolley, the Loop and the D&SNG.

I have many fond memories of you guys. Thank you for being kind and patient to an annoying little kid.

Sean Jackson
D&SNG Car Shop Foreman, conductor, brakeman, car inspector, carman, diesel locomotive engineer, painter's assistant, and whatever else I can do that's helpful.