Steam returns to the Georgetown Loop RR

[kstrong]

This just came over the fax machine at work...

Colorado Historical Society, Railstar Corporation announce arrival of #12 Steam Engine at Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park

Georgetown Loop train will open to the public Memorial Day Weekend

DENVER - On Monday, March 21 the steam engine designated No.12 started its journey from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to its new home at the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park. The No.12 is scheduled to arrive on Thursday. March 24 in Silver Plume where final restoration and preparation for the 2005-operating season will be completed.

The Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania built steam locomotive No. 12 on February 19, 1929. It was a steam powered locomotive. In the 1950s, it was the last steam engine still in use by the Kahului Railroad Company, hauling sugar cane, pineapples and other freight. When Kahului Railroad began using diesel locomotives, the No. 12 was used as a backup.

Engine No. 12 made its last run on May 24, 1966 and in 1967 was brought to the mainland. Eventually, Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho purchased the engine. Now No. 12 will make Colorado part of its history and return to service Memorial Day weekend as part of the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park.

*****

http://narrowmind.railfan.net/262Hawaii12.jpg

I'm hoping to get up there tomorrow (today? It's midnight) for the media day to get photos of the loco's arrival.

Later,

K

[Anonymous]

Kevin, Fantastic! another one preserved! I hope you post the arrival pictures.

Yseterday I looked for a place to take my to youngest on a train ride of the Steam powered nature, would you believe not one scenic railroad in Ohio has
operational Steam power at the moment[:0]. Many are being rebuilt.

So what the EBT's schedule of operation this year?[:p]

[bman36]

Hey Kevin,
The wife, kids and I rode the Georgetown Loop as part of our holidays in 2004. Got plenty of video and pics as we rode behind No. 40 on one of it's last trips. The sound of the whistle in that canyon sends shivers up and down your spine. It is so awesome to know that Steam will once again rise from the canyon. Hope you get the pics you want. Please post here if you get them. Later eh...Brian.

[vsmith]

Steam buffs are having a BIG sign of relief today with that news, be a dam shame to have Georgetown Loop go inactive after all the effort made to reactivate it .