It’s doubtful that any central or western state has as many historical rail lines operating today to serve resident and and out-of-state tourists as does Colorado. Consider this list, for starters, and by all means please add any more you can think of as well as correcting any of the dates I’ve listed that aren’t accurate.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - dating from 1880
Royal Gorge Route Railroad - dating from 1880
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - in continuous operation since 1882
Georgetown Loop Railroad - dating from 1883
Manitou & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway - in continuous operation since 1891
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad - dating from 1894
Cripple Creek & Victor Railroad - dating from the 1890s
The Ski Train - route dating from 1905 and Moffat Tunnel dating from 1927
Tiny Town Railroad - dating from 1915
Fort Collins Municipal Railway - dating from 1919
The prime agency that should be proudly proclaiming such a rich heritage and doing everything it can to serve the state and the country in supporting the success of all of these operations is the Colorado Historical Society. It is appalling beyond belief that instead, this organization seems determined to destroy one of these which is known far and wide as one of the most successful representations of the state’s history with an outstanding record of good will toward the public.
Commentary on this and other discussion boards makes it abundantly clear that it’s virtually impossible that any other operator could be found that would have the ability, commitment, expertise, and integrity as do the Ashbys and their team, to operate the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
If this railroad ceases to operate, it will be one of the most significant losses ever known in Colorado. And the loss will be doubly tragic because there appears to be no demonstrable, sound reason for it!