Trains Editor Jim Wrinn presented the award at the Heritage Rail Alliance’s annual meeting in Santa Fe on Nov. 10.
The grant will sponsor restoration of No. 168’s boiler jacket — a final touch in the multi-year restoration that will return the 3-foot-gauge locomotive to operating condition and as it appeared after a 1915 rebuilding.
The award was made from more than 40 applicants in this, the 20th year, for Trains’ $10,000 grant. Officials with the scenic railroad say the award completes their fundraising goal of $501,000.
“Museums and tourist groups submitted a variety of strong proposals from across the country; locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, archives — we saw it all,” says Trains Associate Editor Steve Sweeney, a member of the award selection committee. “We chose to support the Cumbres & Toltec’s restoration of this locomotive so future generations can see this rare artifact in operation.”
Philadelphia’s Baldwin Locomotive Works built the engine in 1883 for the Denver & Rio Grande. The locomotive continued in service for another 50 years and retired from the Denver & Rio Grande Western in 1938, when it was made a public park display in downtown Colorado Springs, Colo.
“Nothing quite like this has ever happened before. We are taking a Baldwin locomotive that was specifically built for and used on these tracks in 1883, then retired and placed outdoors in a park for 75 years, and now it is being restored to once again steam across the Rocky Mountains,” says John Bush, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad president.
In addition to restoring No. 168, Cumbres & Toltec workers are also restoring four wood passenger cars from the same 1880s era so that they will be able to create a complete historic train, just as it would have appeared at that time, steaming over the same tracks.
“We have something rare, an ancient steam locomotive, hand-made. Its wrought-iron frame bears the marks of the craftsmen who labored on it. The frame’s details show how they forge-welded the pedestal jaws,” says Stathi Pappas, the railroad’s assistant general manager and head of special projects. “Now, we’re adding our own marks, writing more narrow gauge history.”
The Cumbres & Toltec is the only organization to twice benefit from the Trains’ Preservation Award. The first time was in 2005 when the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad used $10,000 to complete restoration of the original coal wharf in Chama. The unique wooden structure is immediately recognizable in the railroad’s yard.
“It is humbling to have this award join prominent philanthropic foundations and many hundreds of individuals who have contributed,” says Jerry Dziedzic, co-chair of the fundraising team for the restoration of No. 168. “Railroading is an important part of the history of New Mexico and Colorado, and now for the first time we will be able to showcase a historic locomotive specifically built for and used on this railroad in the 1880s.”
More information on the scenic railroad and the restoration effort is available online.
Glad to hear this, Jim, as loved that RR when Susan, Lee and me rode it last summer. Could not believe the awesome scenery and how far we could see. Have rode D&S years ago but this was more memorable other than their High Line. I know you were out there and would not be at Trainfest.
When I lived in Colorado I long admired the 168 — such a beautiful locomotive. Unlike the case with so many other engines in park displays, Colorado Springs did a good job of maintaining her appearance, even to the point of operating lights being on at night. At least that’s how it was when I saw her in the 80s and 90s. I appreciate the effort by Trains to help restore 168.
A humble word of thanks to Trains magazine for presenting the 2018 Presentation Award to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and to the C&TS itself, for undertaking the almost unthinkable in Century 21 with the restoration of this magnificent steam machine, that once ruled the Rocky Mountain rails of the mighty Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.
In light of this award, I find it somewhat ironic having just received a rare pristine copy of the classic Timberline Edition, “Rio Grande:Mainline of the Rockies” signed and numbered by Beebe & Clegg. It now proudly stands next to their equally rare Timberline Edition of “Narrow Gauge in the Rockies”, in my home library. Needless to say, Thanksgiving and Christmas came early this year, for me at least.
Congratulations to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on the Award from Trains.
Locomotive Number 168 is being restored to her 1915 appearance. There would be greater authenticity if she were restored to her 1880’s appearance with the steam dome and sandbox not unlike those on the Glenbrook with colourful paint and brass appointments throughout.
How lovely to see. She surely is coming along. I do hope it includes a polished iron jacket.