The correct spelling is TEFFT SPUR and it is the most forgotten historic spur on the Silverton Branch. [The FS even get it wrong] It is at MP 478.02 and was 1489 feet long when the AFE for retirement was written in 1946 (T-817 track #10). The wye is properly name for the Cascade Bridge (477.81), Cascade Creek, and area south of that Creek. I do not believe it has ever been a stop for the Railfest or even been a item of interest to most, even though the RGS engine boiler from #32 (ex SGN#32) is set up on concrete, almost like on display, with tall extended smoke stack held up by guy wires. I think it is the only locomotive boiler forgotten in the woods of Colorado.
The site is famous because Otto Mears built it in 1911 under name of Rockwood Lumber Company to cut ties in order to rebuild the washed out Silverton Line. Otto worked the rebuild from both ends to speed up service to his SRR, SNRR railroads. The Rockwood Lumber Co., P.O. Tacoma, also had a distribution yard in Silverton per the 1913 Sawmill Directory.
Besides the sawmill boiler, the remains of two SRR mail and combine cars (now only sawdust) were there to see, with other loose rails and junk, and many abandoned ties from the spur, a loading ramp and old sheds. Many loose rails are on the north bank of Cascade Creek near the ex walkway bridge. The old toll turnpike is very evident along the toe of the hill near the westside of the boiler and up past the switch into the main. The switch was a #10 size frog.
It would be a great place to have a picnic BBQ, via a special train or Cascade Wye train. Photos are on the web via various sites.
