Memories of the Georgetown Loop 1996-97

The narrow gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad, located on the historic Colorado & Southern railroad line between Georgetown and Silver Plume, Colorado, was rebuilt by the Colorado Historical Society and opened as a tourist railroad in 1974. The famous high bridge was reconstructed and reopened to traffic in 1984. For two decades the Loop was operated for the Colorado Historical Society by Lindsey and Rosa Ashby. We visit the railroad in the summers of 1996 and 1997, and view the Ashby's former West Side Lumber Company 3-truck Shays Nos. 12 and 14 in operation, along with former International Railways of Central America 2-8-0 No. 40. The cars are mostly D&RGW in origin, including three open air cars that were built for the 1948-49 Chicago Railroad Fair. This equipment is now at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, where it is occasionally used for rides. The Georgetown Loop is still operating today with different locomotives and cars.

[@jterry618]

C&S 9 ran during the 2008 season only. It's now on display in Breckenridge.

[@BNSFandSP]

I'm glad I went when I did, they still had couple of shays, but I rode behind 40.

[@jterry618]

Both Shays and No. 40 are at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.

[@stlgevo51]

Awesome video. The Georgetown Loop is nothing compared to what it used to be. At least they got a Shay back recently. When I went in 2008 only the diesel was running. What's the story behind C&S 9? Didn't it run in the early 2000's?

[@LtHawk77]

C&S 9 was repaired by Martin Yurik down in Strasbourg Colorado, he is okay with small stuff like 6 inch and 1 foot gauge. But when it comes to repairing full sized locomotives he leaves a lot to be desired. needless to say C&S 9 shouldn't have been run back in 2006 at all. The locomotive is in dire need of a complete and proper over hall. She now needs a new fire box, boiler, running gear and tender.

[@Kerrby3000]

What about No. 44 that was on display. Are they going to restore it?

[@SouthernFoamer]

do they still have the shays i know the number 40 went to the WPYRR

[@SouthernFoamer]

do they still have the shays ?

[@jterry618]

Opps...yes, it was 2006

[@Strasburg1991]

I know another steamer that would be good for Georgetown loop.

[@Strasburg1991]

don't you mean the 2006 season