About a mile of DSP&P/C&S trackage was left in place after the 1923/1924 scrapping of the Alpine Tunnel line between Quartz and Hancock. This included track inside the tunnel and west a bit downgrade beyond the Alpine Tunnel facilities. I am trying to piece together when the tracks were removed. This seems to have been done in different segments and not all in order.
Below is a collection of photos showing the progression. I hope to analyze what can be determined from the photos. Keep a look out for future posts where I will identify locations and observations of these images. If anyone knows more or can provide other photographs, please chime in. I'm eager to learn.
1939
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| Aug. 6, 1939 R.H. Kindig - James Ehernberger Collection-Gunnison Memories |
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| June 1939 Donald E. A. Rogers |
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| June 1939 Donald E.A. Rogers |
Undated (possibly June 1939)
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| D.E. Rogers Mineral Belt 2 |
1940
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| June 1940 Richard Kindig Mineral Belt 2 |
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| 1940 John W. Maxwell The South Park Line |
1948
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| Les Logue, Everett Rohrer and Irv August (left to right) are shown cutting rail at the approach to the
Alpine Tunnel Station, October 2, 1948.
(Ed Haley Photograph) Feb. 1991 Rocky Mountain Rail Report |
1949
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| July 19, 1949 |
1953
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| Richard Kindig 1953 |
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| Richard Kindig 1953 |
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| Richard Kindig 1953 |
Mid-1950s (correct?)
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| Neal Miller, Author's collection |
1955
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| Aug 13 1955 Art Wallace - 2002 The Bogies & the Loop |
1956
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| Bob Richardson RR-1275 Denver Public Library |
1950s
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| Al Chione, 1950s? Ted Weise collection |
1956
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| R.H. Kindig - James Ehernberger collection - Gunnison Memories |
1957
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Sept. 1957 Ed Haley Mineral Belt 2
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Sept. 1957 Ed Haley Mineral Belt 2
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1958
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| June 29, 1958 Lew Schneider |
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| June 29, 1958 Lew Schneider |
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| June 29, 1958 Lew Schneider |
Mid-1950s (correct?)
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| Neal Miller Gunnison Memories |
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| Mid-1950s Neal Miller-Author's collection |
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Mid-1950s Neal Miller Gunnison Memories
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1960
“Until mid-summer of 1960 the ensuing three miles of grade was impassable to truck or jeep. Huge granite boulders and rock slides had blocked the way, filling cuts and narrowing the passage. In the summer of 1960, Gunnison County sent a “Cat” to clear the way to Alpine. The road could hardly be designated as a Freeway, but it is easily passable for Jeeps and trucks. The grade, of course, is not steep, the problem being to have sufficient clearance under the vehicle to avoid damage from rocks.” Historic Alpine Tunnel by Dow Helmers p. 96
Unknown dates
