No joke here, and not a surprise for some, as many of you will see or have seen this mentioned in the latest telegrapher from the museum.
The Colorado Railroad Museum has contracted the Durango & Silverton to perform the 1472 rebuild of D&RGW 346. We have developed a good working relationship with the D&S over the past several years. The D&S helped with several repairs to D&RGW 491.(Piston rings, valve rings, crosshead work, etc.) It was only natural they had an interest in rebuilding 346. CRRM and the D&S also recently worked together to fabricate multiple quantities of castings of several different parts for the C-19 class engines. This of course coincided with the D&S' rebuild of RGS 41 for Knott's Berry Farm. One part in particular that was needed by several organizations were smoke stacks. 41 got a new one, 346 will receive a new one, 315 has a spare, and one more for another famous little engine.
We are very excited for this partnership and look forward to a freshly rebuilt 346 that should keep her going for the next 15 years and beyond. The D&S will be going through the boiler, making repairs as needed as well as bringing it to FRA standards. The D&S will also perform all FRA calculations and prepare the documentation. CRRM staff and volunteers have already stripped 346' boiler shell, removed the tubes, grid off the boiler and taken all UT readings. Of course the boiler is only part of the equation. The running gear will receive a thorough rebuilding as well. Some of which includes 2 new driver axles, new tires, hubs and liners, steam chest work.
Later this month 346 will be loaded on a trailer and hauled Southwest to Durango. She hasn't been there since 1950 when she was hauled to Alamosa after Bob Richardson purchased her.
For those who don't get the telegrapher here is what it said.
As we mentioned last year in the Telegrapher newsletter, Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotive No. 346 was disassembled in early 2023 in preparation for its 15-year overhaul. Since then, teams have worked on a complete assessment of the boiler and running gear, scoping out the necessary work that will be required. Next up for this locomotive is a trip to Durango.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will be doing much of the heavy boiler repair and major wheel, axle and running gear work required. The Museum lacks much of the necessary tooling, given the large scope of the necessary work. The goal is to recertify No. 346 for operation under Federal Railroad Administration regulations so Colorado’s oldest operating steam locomotive can, in the future, travel offsite to other locations and railroads.
Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.
