C&S Refrigerator Car 1113 History: C&Sng at the CRRM

Back in September of 2023 my family had the chance to visit the Colorado Railroad Museum. Since I hadn't been to the museum since my teens (in the 1990s), this was my first visit with the only known C&S narrow gauge refrigerator car in existence (It was acquired by CRRM in 2002). One side and end is painted for the C&S where the car began its life while the other side and end is painted for the Rio Grande Southern where it spent the second part of its revenue life.

The video I made below tells the main pieces of the car's history.

(There is one error in my video. Don Drawer did not buy 1113. The D&RGW gave it to him as they wanted it "out of the way.")

For a more full story of the CRRM C&Sng equipment, see my series The Railroad Riches of Golden.

You can find 1113's specific story here.

Visit Sherrod Loop today - video

 Sherrod Loop was the reverse curve that helped the South Park Line climb up to the over-11,000-foot-high Alpine Tunnel. Eastbound, the curve was the gateway to the more famous spots on the line including the Palisades, Split Rock, numerous other rock walls, and the Alpine Tunnel enginehouse. This video highlights the route from Woodstock to Sherrod as it exists today.

Sherrod Loop is at the far right. Alpine Tunnel is reached via top track alignment at left.

Historical sign at Sherrod

Relaid track (presumably laid by the Forest Service). View: eastbound

View: eastbound

View: westbound

View: westbound

View: westbound

View: eastbound, past relaid track

View: eastbound

A short bit upgrade, eastbound, is this telling sign

Would you like to buy the Town of Sherrod?

 The former Town of Sherrod, site of Sherrod Loop is for sale! 

from Poor's DSP&P

Check out the listing here.

Here is the description:

Don't miss your opportunity to own a very historic piece of Colorado property known as the Town of Sherrod. This 40 acre parcel was the town site of Sherrod and part of the Sherrod loop on the Alpine tunnel loop. The town of Sherrod was founded in 1903 and had a 3 year span known for its rich silver lodes in the surrounding mountains. The town had 2 hotels, 2 stores, a newspaper and several log cabins. In 1904 the Colorado & Southern Railroad constructed a train depot and a rail spur to move mining ores. Later on that depot was moved down to the town of Ohio City. Elevation of this property is 10,950.

Here is a great photo from the listing site: