Footage of the C&Sng in the 1930s

I wanted to bring attention to a great video called Excursion to the Thirties which includes a good stretch of C&S narrow gauge film footage.  

I originally posted a clip from a Youtube channel that posted it. Later, I found out that the DVD is still commercially available. In light of this, I removed the video link.

The video is available for purchase at a number of sites including...

Walthers

Railfan Depot

Trainfan Video Depot

In the video you'll see:

Clear Creek segment (1938 and 1939)

Here you'll see...

On August 11th, 1939 C&S 70 working in Idaho Springs.

C&S 69 running light past the Argo Mine

C&S 70 backing with a train of gondolas to Black Hawk

C&S 70 and train returning to Forks Creek

    -you'll see the crew perform a flying switch with caboose 1003

    -keep an eye out for the brakeman when he steps between the caboose and a rapidly approaching boxcar!

C&S 70 and train now eastbound heading for Golden

You'll see C&S 9 and 65 (with one as a midtrain helper) along with caboose 1003 traveling from Golden to Forks Creek on July 19, 1938. C&S 9 is now on display in Breckenridge. 

Leadville Segment (1938)

Here you'll see...

the Leadville depot

the Leadville engine house

C&S 74 switching cars in the Leadville yards on July 6th, 1938 for the Molybdenum mine. The train then heads towards Climax with what appears to be caboose 1009.  C&S engine 74 and caboose 1009 are both now at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.

Boreas Pass Segment (1938)

Here you'll see..

C&S 71, 8 (dead), and 69 leave Breckenridge for Como on an equipment transport prior to abandonment. C&S 71 is now on display in Central City.

    -Watch for two crew members riding the front of 71 apparently keeping an eye on the unmaintained track

C&S 73, westbound, with a scrap train traveling through Webster on July 19, 1938

The train climbing to the top of Kenosha Pass. 

The train running through Kenosha summit. Track has been relaid at the summit near the site of the wye used to turn helpers.

Later in the day, the same train climbs eastbound up out of the South Park with 69 as helper

After reaching Kenosha summit, C&S 69 uncouples and backs up light to Como

Big Train Tours - Way Car to Caboose: C&S “Bobber” No. 1009

A few days ago, the Colorado Railroad Museum posted another one of their "Big Train Tour at CRRM" videos. The focus this time was on C&S caboose 1009. It's a fantastic look at the history of the car that trailed the very last narrow gauge C&S train in 1943.  The video also includes photos I hadn't seen before of 1009's time in Buena Vista as a shed.

Additional info:

Here is a segment of a series of articles I wrote about CRRM's history and acquisition of C&Sng equipment.  This segments puts 1009's acquisition in historical context.

Below is the text from CRRM on this video:

Welcome to another Big Train Tour at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Today, we’ll be taking a look at Colorado & Southern caboose No. 1009. This interesting, narrow gauge “way car” dates to 1882, and the early days of the legendary South Park Line’s expansion in Colorado. Acquired by the Museum in 1961 as just a body, this rare survivor has been restored to operating condition and is today proudly displayed in Golden. 

Our subject today is a diminutive, four-wheel narrow-gauge “bobber” caboose built in the shops of its parent railroad. Like many rail vehicles from the 19th century, caboose 6 number 1009 started its life with a different appearance, and it was known as a Way Car for its first two to three decades of service. Renumbered several times during its life, it was rebuilt and modernized, then retired and almost lost. Its very existence today provides a powerful connection with Colorado freight railroading, 9 changes in the railroad safety environment, and the many railroad workers who have helped shape the expansion and settlement of the Centennial State.

Join Executive Director, Paul Hammond as we explore the history of this "Way Car" caboose! 

Here is a post and video I made on C&S 1009 from a fall visit to see her and other C&Sng equipment this past fall.

2023 Como work highlights and Boreas drone shots

The Denver, South Park and Pacific Historical Society continually does great work in the old C&S division point of Como (along with the South Park Rail Society).  The video below shows some of their work from open houses and work days in 2023 with upcoming 2024 dates for the similar events.

There are great drone shots of the roundhouse, turntable, and depot.  My favorite is one of locomotive Klondike Kate, dressed down for lots of needed work, on the turntable. 

Below that video are some great drone video shots along the old C&S Boreas Pass route also produced by the DSP&P historical society.

Enjoy!