555/305

Herb,

I expect you are well aware that #305/555 had a very similar history to #306/554 ... but just in case you or other contributors didn't know. ...

#305 began life as a narrow gauge engine of the Utah Central Railroad [2nd] numbered UCR#3, built by Baldwin, #11022 in 6/1890 with 37" drivers and 16" x 20" cylinders.

It was acquired by the Rio Grande Western in 1898 who numbered it RGW #03. The RGW converted it to standard gauge in October 1900, renumbering it to RGW #13. It was transferred to the D&RG in January 1909 and renumbered to #555.

The D&RG converted it back to narrow gauge at Burnham Shops on 10/12/1918 but it kept the standard gauge number #555 until it was renumbered #305 at Alamosa on 1/3/1924.

#305 was retired on 10/1927 and scrapped in Alamosa 12/10/1927.

Yet again, perhaps someone will have a photograph of #305 numbered as #555 in the 1918-1924 period.

Vic Stone