I watch a lot of U.S.-based narrow gauge videos on Youtube, and am always running into new posts regarding the Colorado Railroad Museum, in Golden CO.
On the one hand, this organization boasts a really nice collection: multiple operating steam locomotives, a roundhouse and turn table, a fair amount of rolling stock, several different preserved stations - it's a good little operation.
On the other... well... this let's just let Google Earth do the talking:
Suffice it to say, it is no exaggeration to call their track arrangement half an HO 4x8' layout. I mean, it's really sad - particularly watching some of the larger engines such as the #491 just kind of creep their way around that little oblong circle.
I get that there are definite advantages to where the museum is located: close proximity to the Front Range and Golden (both tourist draws), a major highway in the form of I-70, and Denver proper. But it looks like the museum is pretty much bursting at the seams, with no prospect of ever growing in any way (or operating a real, legitimate train ride, outside the smaller-than-your-average-zoo-railroad loop around the facility). I suppose in the long, long, LOOOONG term, they might have some ambitions of taking over the spur that serves the adjacent Coors brewing plant, but, if that's the case, it seems almost pie-in-the-sky optimistic (you'd have to hope that Coors relocated, and that the branch wasn't immediately torn up in favor of a rail train)... and, even then, you wouldn't really have a railroad running through idyllic scenery.
Just curious if those 'in the know' have ever heard any rumblings regarding relocation?
Relocation is probably not a realistic option, primarily because of cost. Land acquisition wouldn't be cheap and moving their equipment to a new site would be costly and possibly damaging to the equipment
CSSHEGEWISCH Relocation is probably not a realistic option, primarily because of cost. Land acquisition wouldn't be cheap and moving their equipment to a new site would be costly and possibly damaging to the equipment
It just seems kind of rough. They can't even really move their standard gauge stuff - it looks like there's a dual gauge track that extends from where the 4-8-4 is parked over to the roundhouse, and some other bits like where the F-units are stored, but that's it :/.
You could always become a member, get elected to the board, and lead a fundraising effort to secure the money to purchase land elsewhere and move the buildings and equipment.
...or just visit and use your entry fee and items that you purchase from the gift shop to help their efforts...
There are already 3 operating NG tourist lines in Colorado adding up to over 100 miles, plus the SG Royal Gorge line, plus some trolley operations. I think a museum more devoted to preservation near the big city fills a specific need.
MidlandMike There are already 3 operating NG tourist lines in Colorado adding up to over 100 miles, plus the SG Royal Gorge line, plus some trolley operations. I think a museum more devoted to preservation near the big city fills a specific need.
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