Re: RGS Goose # 2 at CRR Museum

Goose #2 did have it's "offical" shakedown runs last Saturday. It waddled over 20 circuits (both ways on the loop) at a blistering 8-10 mph. After being elevated on ties for over two years, it finally came together. New power truck wheels were cast and machined, a new power truck assembly was constructed, with the addition of two 1930's AA Ford truck rear ends with full floating axles, New axles were machined, (not cutting used one's down and re-welding them to fit 3 foot gauge.ala RGS) A new brake system was installed using trailer brake "pots" on the power truck. (Just like Goose #5) #2 never had air brakes on the RGS, D&SNG installed a system using an air cylinder from a flanger in 2000, allowing #2 to run during Railfest. This system was discarded in favor of the "truck pots". A new drive line was fabricated to fit the "new" differential. The rear red running lights now have a stop light feature. This should keep Model T railcars from rearending it. Thanks to all the volunteers, Andy and Lew Dahm, Fred Oster, Russel, Vic, the shop crew who made this possible. None of the components were availible from N.A.P.A. There were a bunch of happy volunteers who tested #2, Saturday.
Uncle Bob's memorial is Saturday 5/5. The Goose will be running and carrying passengers. Goose #2 was the first piece of equipment brought from the Narrow Gauge Museum in Alamosa to Golden. Uncle Bob did have a soft spot in his heart for this historic piece of equipment. Please plan to attend the memorial service next Saturday,In addition to the Goose operating, there are several new attractions, the Coors switcher has a interactive display. For a quarter you can put the throttle in run 8, hear the diesel rev, watch the amp meter go in the red, etc, and we wlll be honoring Robert Richardson, who was the driving force in saving a lot of the narrow gauge.