Restoration
There are always a multitude of on-going restoration projects at the Colorado Railroad Museum, most of which take place in our restoration Roundhouse. Here’s the latest Roundhouse News from our CMO, Phil Johnson.
Roundhouse News
Goose #2, #6, #7
Thanks to grant funding from the State Historical Fund, the Museum has had the opportunity to restore the Galloping Geese. The main focus at the roundhouse lately has been getting all three of our Galloping Geese operational for the “Goosefest,” November 29th and 30th. Goose #2 has been operational but has received some fine-tuning. Goose #6 hadn’t operated in six or seven years before being brought into the roundhouse in August for work by our volunteer crew. Since then, the engine has been cleaned, tuned up and now runs smoothly. The interior seats have been redone and the doors rebuilt – the left side door from scratch.
At long last Goose #7 is back on wheels again and has been reunited with her box compartment. All three of #7’s trucks have been completely rebuilt. The box was put in place with the assistance of the new gantry crane. Two of these 8-ton capacity cranes were donated through Lockheed Martin Corp. and will be a great benefit on many upcoming projects.
#191
The State Historical Fund has also provided grant funding for the cosmetic restoration of locomotive #191; the oldest steam locomotive in Colorado. Work has been progressing on #191, with the focus being on the front end. The smokebox front has been removed for repair work and the installation of the smokebox ring with rivet head bolts. The smokebox front will be reinstalled with the door hinge on the correct side. The new pilot and pilot beam have been painted, which are the first pieces to be so treated in what will be a complete new paint job.
#50
After #7’s box was placed, diesel #50 was moved to bay #5 under the gantry crane in anticipation of the installation of the clutch, transmission and rear axle. When that is complete, the front axle will be removed to have the tires replaced. The State Historical Fund has provided grant funding to help the Museum restore the #50 back to service.
#491
Trustee and volunteer Mike Davis continues his work on the never-ending task of keeping things painted around the Museum. A recent recipient of his labor has been the #491.
#346
Our #346 is back in action after being on display in front of the Museum for most of the summer. She ran well for the Trick or Treat Train, October 25th and 26th, and will be back in action for the Santa Express Train December 13th and 14th. The #346 has performed well and we always look forward to seeing her in operation.
Volunteers Needed
We’re always looking for volunteers to help with restoration projects. If anyone has talents they would like to utilize and are interested in contributing to a project, don’t hesitate to stop by and check out what’s happening in the roundhouse. There’s a lot of exciting activity in many diverse areas where we could use additional help. Thanks to our many volunteers completing all these projects is made possible.
