C O L O R A D O H I S T OR I C A L S O C I E T Y
June 5, 2007
Dear Loop Communication Committee Members:
In an effort to keep you apprised of the latest developments at the Georgetown Loop Railroad®, please see the following update on a number of projects:
• Winter Maintenance: During my visit with merchants over the Memorial Day weekend, people asked me about winter maintenance, funds available and why the season start date was delayed. There was over $400,000 budgeted for off-season maintenance to care for rolling stock, and track and site upgrades. Railstar assessed Engine #9 and #12 in October and November. Work commenced on both engines in January. All scopes of work prepared by Railstar were initiated by the Society once received. Selected vendors were contracted as quickly as possible. In some cases, contracts were delayed as vendors worked to meet state procurement requirements, such as insurance and bonding.
After careful evaluation, I have determined that a confluence of several factors—delays in finalizing scopes of work, finding and securing contractors that can fulfill specific state requirements, weather and parts and materials deliveries—contributed to the resulting deferred season start. All of these issues will be addressed and corrected.
• #12: Rob Mangles of Transportation Innovation Specialist Inc. is scheduled to begin reassembling the locomotive today. The work will be done in cooperation with Railstar Corporation staff. The boiler re-tubing is completed and hydrostatic test is scheduled with the Boiler Inspector. The last axle and wheels are scheduled to be pressed together in Denver the week of June 4.
• #21: Diesel engine #21, the “Critter,” is being used for track maintenance. A second evaluation of the locomotive is being scheduled due to knocking in the engine.
• #1203: The larger diesel-electric locomotive #1203 continues to undergo restoration in Baker City, Oregon. Sumpter Valley Railroad has reported that the oil cooler is leaking. The cooler has been removed and sent for repairs. The Society is waiting on an update report and assessment on the work schedule. We will be scheduling an inspection of the locomotive as soon as my office gets a revised schedule.
• #111: Uhrich Locomotive Works continues their work on the restoration of Engine #111. Steven Butler of Mid-West Locomotive met on site with Marlin Uhrich yesterday to review the schedule and work completed to date.
• #9: The Society is finalizing the contract on the #9 restoration with CDOT. The board approved a resolution to accept the funds. The signed contract will be sent back to CDOT to be fully executed.
• Track inspections: The track has been inspected by Railroad Specialty. Ties, rail and gauges have been repaired and replaced. There are a few minor items that need to be completed.
• Bridge: The low bridges have been evaluated by GH Weaver, a structural engineering firm to verify load capacity. The Society is waiting on a final report. At the same time, the firm of SEH Engineering is verifying the load capacity of the high bridge.
• Site Improvements: Designs for a new storage shed at Devils Gate have been drafted by the engineer. Staff has reviewed and provided comment. Pricing has been initiated.
New parking signage in Silver Plume has been installed along the frontage road. CDOT has been contacted concerning repairing the fence next to the rail yard.
• Enclosed Passenger cars - gondolas and new purchases: Jason Midyette has completed the minor repairs to the excursion cars. There are two cars that need more extensive repairs. That work will be scheduled ASAP.
The Society has purchased a narrow-gauge enclosed coach. Restoration work will be scheduled ASAP. Two other cars will be purchased, with a goal to begin offering at least three covered and heated coach cars to meet and/or extend service in the early spring and late fall. This will provide improved customer service.
• Marketing: The Society and Railstar Corp. will be working with the community to advertise the railroad’s opening on the June 15th weekend.
We certainly appreciate your continued support. I will continue to keep you apprised of any new developments.
With best regards,
Joseph Bell, Division Director
Facilities and Regional Museums
Colorado Historical Society
