Galloping Goose and a Double Header on the C&TSRR

[Yard Limit]

Galloping Goose is the popular name given to a series of seven rail cars, officially designated as "motors" by the railroad, built in the 1930s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and operated until the end of service on the line in the early 1950s.
Originally running steam locomotives on narrow gauge railways, the perpetually struggling RGS developed the first of the "geese" as a way to stave off bankruptcy and keep its contract to run mail into towns in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. There was not enough passenger or cargo income to justify continuing the expensive steam train service at then-current levels, but it was believed that a downsized railway would return to profitability. The steam trains would transport heavy cargo and peak passenger loads, but motors would handle lighter loads.
Motors were not only less expensive to operate, but were also significantly lighter, thus reducing impact on the rails and roadbeds. This cost saving meant that the first Goose was paid off and making a profit within three weeks of going into service.  RGS built more Geese, and operated them until the company abandoned their right-of-way in 1952.
In 1950, when the railroad finally lost its mail contract (in favor of highway mail carriers), #3, #4, #5, and #7 were converted for tourist operations, and the "Galloping Goose" name was officially recognized by the railroad. Large windows were cut in the sides of the freight compartments, and seating was added.  A figure of a running goose and the words "Galloping Goose" were added to the carbody doors. This service lasted only two years, and the last work of the "geese" on their home line was to take up the rails.
Goose #5 was bought by the city of Dolores, Colorado.  After restoration in 1998 it is now operated from time to time on the Cumbres and Toltec, and Durango and Silverton railroads, as well as at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Getting two steam engines ready for a double header run to Antonito Colorado requires an early morning start by the crews.  Both engines have to be filled with water and coal.   Denver and Rio Grande Western 484 stops at the water tower where a crew member fills the tank.
After clearing out condensation, the locomotive moves to the coaling station where a front end loader dumps coal into the tender. 
484 joins 487 and the crew makes final preparations for departure.
 

[motorcycle railfan]

[quote user="Yard Limit"]

Galloping Goose is the popular name given to a series of seven rail cars, officially designated as "motors" by the railroad, built in the 1930s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and operated until the end of service on the line in the early 1950s.
Originally running steam locomotives on narrow gauge railways, the perpetually struggling RGS developed the first of the "geese" as a way to stave off bankruptcy and keep its contract to run mail into towns in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. There was not enough passenger or cargo income to justify continuing the expensive steam train service at then-current levels, but it was believed that a downsized railway would return to profitability. The steam trains would transport heavy cargo and peak passenger loads, but motors would handle lighter loads.
Motors were not only less expensive to operate, but were also significantly lighter, thus reducing impact on the rails and roadbeds. This cost saving meant that the first Goose was paid off and making a profit within three weeks of going into service.  RGS built more Geese, and operated them until the company abandoned their right-of-way in 1952.
In 1950, when the railroad finally lost its mail contract (in favor of highway mail carriers), #3, #4, #5, and #7 were converted for tourist operations, and the "Galloping Goose" name was officially recognized by the railroad. Large windows were cut in the sides of the freight compartments, and seating was added.  A figure of a running goose and the words "Galloping Goose" were added to the carbody doors. This service lasted only two years, and the last work of the "geese" on their home line was to take up the rails.
Goose #5 was bought by the city of Dolores, Colorado.  After restoration in 1998 it is now operated from time to time on the Cumbres and Toltec, and Durango and Silverton railroads, as well as at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Getting two steam engines ready for a double header run to Antonito Colorado requires an early morning start by the crews.  Both engines have to be filled with water and coal.   Denver and Rio Grande Western 484 stops at the water tower where a crew member fills the tank.
After clearing out condensation, the locomotive moves to the coaling station where a front end loader dumps coal into the tender. 
484 joins 487 and the crew makes final preparations for departure.
 

 

Yard Limit, many thanks for the great shots. Really enjoyed the fact that you didn't just get engine shots but captured the entire train. I'm a member of the friends of Cumbres & Toltec, do 4 work week sessions in the spring, your video makes me sure I will come back in the fall to see the colors next year.

[daveklepper]

thanks

[Yard Limit]

Thank you. The train is just as important as the locomotives. Thank you for your work with the Cumbres and Toltec!