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Wagon Wheel Gap Route

and the

Denver & Rio Grande Railway

Home Up

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Work in Progress

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Below you will find a listing of what progress has been made in the shop and on the rails, along with Foundation updates-

Week By Week-

Week of 06-26-00

  1. Clean up work starts.
  2. Survey of route to choose hand tool work areas.
  3. 7.5 miles open.

Week of 07-08-00

  1. Clean up work continues by "Armstrong" methods.
  2. 18 miles open.

Week of 07-15-00

  1. Clean up of road crossings and rock falls.
  2. Grade crossings cleared.
  3. Tie work started.
  4. Additional cleanup and finishing work on selected areas.
  5. Documentation photography .

Week of 08-02-00

  1. Trespassing signs repainted.
  2. Final grade crossing cleanup.
  3. Documentation photography .

Week of 08-19-00

  1. Trespassing signs repainted.
  2. Creede yard fenced and posted.
  3. Railroad bridges posted.
  4. Track and tie work.

Additional work sessions dates deferred until Colorado Department of Transportation cleans highway grade crossings - ( 5 ) and removes rock dumped on rail line by their work crews.   Stay tuned....

Week of 08-30-00 - 09-02-00

  1. 20th NATIONAL NARROW GAUGE CONVENTION (St. Louis)

Week of 09-14-00

  1. Railroad yard cleanup in preparation for arriving equipment.
  2. Rock slides cleared and now 20.2 miles of 21.6 mile railroad is open.

Week of 09-18-00

  1. Additional railroad yard cleanup in preparation for arriving equipment.
  2. Rail cleanup through rock slide area.
  3. Documentation photography.

Week of 09-22-00

  1. Private car "Friendship" arrived in South Fork.

Week of 09-24-00

  1. Private car "Friendship" was checked over and plans for her restoration are underway.

Week of 09-29-00

  1. D&RG RY speeder/trailer T-0001 rebuild was finished at the D&RG RY Shop and is now ready for use.

Week of 05-01-01

  1. Clean up of road crossings and rock falls.
  2. Grade crossings cleared.
  3. Tie work started.
  4. Additional cleanup and finishing work on selected areas.
  5. Documentation photography.

Week of 05-10-01

  1. D&RG RY Speeder/Trailer T-0100 rebuild was finished at the D&RG RY Shop and is now ready for use.
  2. D&RG RY Speeder X-2 50% rebuilt at the D&RG RY Shop and should be ready for use in the middle of June.

Week of 05-14-01

  1. Grade crossings cleared.
  2. Trespassing signs and boards repainted.
  3. Big rock removal.
  4. Additional weeds, brush and tree cleanup on selected areas.
  5. Documentation photography.

Week of 05-17-01

  1. Colorado Department of Transportation began highway grade crossings clearing.

Week of 06-16-01

  1. Volunteers had a display and answered questions at a local South Fork event.

Week of 07-02-01

  1. Volunteers inspected and took measurements of #40 in Brighton, CO. 

Week of 07-03-01 - 07-05-01

  1. Volunteers joined in with a float in the South Fork 4th of July parade.
  2. Foundation Personal and volunteers were invited for Creede gathering. 
  3. Broken rail temporarily fixed.
  4. ***OPENED THE LINE TOTALLY FOR MOTORCAR AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FROM SOUTH FORK TO WAGON WHEEL GAP ON THE 4th OF JULY***

Week of 07-10-01 - 07-13-01

  1. Inspected Colorado Department of Transportation's work on grade crossings.
  2. Broken rail welded.
  3. Weed / Brush / Tree clearing.
  4. Documentation photography.
  5. Installed ties.
  6. ***OPENED THE LINE TOTALLY FOR MOTORCAR AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FROM SOUTH FORK TO WASON / 149 HIGHWAY CROSSING***

Week of 07-20-01 - 07-23-01

  1. Inspected Colorado Department of Transportation's work on grade crossings.
  2. Broken rail temporarily fixed.
  3. Fencing.
  4. Weed cutting.
  5. Line inspection.
  6. Documentation photography.
  7. ***OPENED THE LINE TOTALLY FOR MOTORCAR AND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT FROM SOUTH FORK TO CREEDE / 149 HIGHWAY CROSSING***

Week of 08-12-01 

  1. Line inspection.
  2. Documentation photography.
  3. Cleared rock.

Week of 08-13-01 to 08-15-01 

  1. Dropped off MOW equipment in South Fork (Anchor).
  2. Union Pacific sale (Denver).

Week of 08-19-01 to 08-24-01 

  1. Union Pacific sale (Omaha).
  2. Dropped off MOW equipment in South Fork.

Week of 09-03-01 to 09-05-01

  1. Cleaned out the "Friendship".
  2. Cleaned up newly purchased siding.
  3. Additional tractor work in slide areas.
  4. Reclaimed rail and parts from Creede City Yard.
  5. Re-installed rail in Creede, opened about 1000 more feet of main line.
  6. Additional tractor work to clear off rail in Creede.

Week of 09-13-01 

  1. 1939 Budd Observation Car "Wagon Wheel Gap" arrived in Monte Vista.

Week of 09-14-01 to 09-17-01

  1. Re-installed rail in Creede.
  2. Additional tractor work to clear off rail in Creede.
  3. Worked on the 1939 Budd Observation Car "Wagon Wheel Gap".

Week of 09-26-01 to 09-28-01

  1. Worked on the 1939 Budd Observation Car "Wagon Wheel Gap".

Week of 11-06-01 to 11-09-01

  1. Union Pacific sale (Denver).
  2. Preparation work on #40 for lift onto bulkhead flat.
  3. Preparation work on both box cars - done and ready to ship.

Week of 11-12-01 to 11-15-01

  1. Dropped off MOW equipment in South Fork (Spiker).
  2. Picked up items purchased at the Union Pacific sale (Denver).
  3. Finished preparation work on #40 and lifted it onto the bulkhead flat.

Week of 12-17-01 to 12-20-01

  1. Work on the tie-down of #40 on the bulkhead flat (Denver).
  2. Assisted in the movement and placing of freight and passenger cars in Monte Vista.

Week of 01-10-02 to 01-11-02

  1. Prepped flat and gondola for move.
  2. Preparation work on B&O club car.
  3. Visual inspection of cars in preparation for their move to South Fork from Monte Vista.
  4. Building location inspection (South Fork).
  5. Building teardown inspection (South Fork).
  6. Meetings.
  7. Documentation photography.

Week of 02-07-02 to 02-08-02

  1. Equipment shipped from Monte Vista to South Fork.
  2. Inspection of line.
  3. Meetings.
  4. Documentation photography.

Week of 02-13-02 to 02-15-02

  1. Moved M.O.W. Equipment from Durango to South Fork.
  2. Inspection of line for telephone crossings.
  3. Clean-up of R.P.O.
  4. Documentation photography.

Week of 02-25-02 to 02-26-02

  1. Inspection of line.
  2. Meetings.
  3. Documentation retrieved from Rio Grande and Mineral County.

Week of 03-05-02 to 03-08-02

  1. Trip to Denver.
  2. Inspection of line.
  3. Inspect and begin initial prep. of donated equipment for move to South Fork.
  4. Meetings Denver, South Fork & Creede.

Week of 04-15-02 to 04-19-02

  1. Inspection of line.
  2. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  3. Clean-up of the R.P.O. for glass installation.
  4. Meetings Del Norte, South Fork & Creede.

Week of 04-21-02 to 04-24-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Trip to Denver.
  3. Union Pacific auction in Denver. 
  4. Inspect and begin initial prep. of donated equipment for move to South Fork.
  5. Meetings in Denver.

Week of 04-29-02 to 05-02-02

  1. Dropped off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Trip to Denver to pick up M.O.W. equipment and auction items.
  3. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  4. Picked up donated items in the valley. 

Week of 05-05-02 to 05-10-02

  1. Trip to Denver.
  2. Meetings in Denver.
  3. Picked up donated items in Denver. 
  4. Trip to Omaha, NB.
  5. Meetings in Omaha, NB.
  6. Prepped business car 36 for move in Denver.
  7. Dropped off equipment in South Fork.
  8. Other crew inspected railroad line and performed general maintenance.

Week of 05-14-02 to 05-15-02

  1. Trip to Creede.
  2. Inspection of line.

Week of 06-04-02 to 06-05-02

  1. Trip to Denver.
  2. Picked-up donated equipment.

Week of 06-07-02 to 06-08-02

  1. Trip to South Fork.
  2. Unloaded donated equipment.
  3. Installed new glass in R.P.O.
  4. Inspection of line.

Week of 06-10-02 to 06-14-02

  1. Trip to Denver.
  2. Meetings in Denver.
  3. Final prep and loading of Business car 36 for move to South Fork.
  4. Unloading of Business car 36 in South Fork. 
  5. Clean-up of Business car 36 for offices. (Interior)
  6. Moved building from old lumber mill.

Week of 06-21-02 to 06-24-02

  1. Trip to South Fork.
  2. Clean-up of Business car 36. (Interior, roof repair / reseal, glass.)
  3. Clean-up of Friendship. (Roof repair / reseal & paint.)

Week of 07-02-02 to 07-06-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Trip to Denver.
  3. Picked-up donated equipment.
  4. Meetings in Denver.
  5. Picked-up donated equipment, Colorado Springs.
  6. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  7. Clean-up of Business car 36. (Interior.)

Week of 07-15-02 to 07-24-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Clean-up of Business car 36. (Interior Carpet.)
  3. Meetings in South Fork.
  4. Re-worked hillside. (Elk Creek.)
  5. Cleared right-of-way. (149 east.)
  6. Inspection of line.

Week of 07-16-02 to 07-24-02

  1. Trip to Baltimore, M.D.
  2. Pick-up equipment.

Week of 07-30-02 to 08-03-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Trip to Denver.
  3. Meetings in Denver.
  4. Moved coach #211.
  5. Inspected the center cab diesel.
  6. Inspection of line.

Week of 08-06-02 to 08-08-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.
  2. Trip to Denver.
  3. Union Pacific sale (Denver).
  4. Meetings in Denver.

Week of 08-13-02 to 08-16-02

  1. Trip to Baltimore, M.D.
  2. Pick-up equipment.

Week of 08-13-02 to 08-17-02

  1. Drop off equipment in South Fork.

Week of 09-09-02 to 09-16-02

  1. Crossing re-build and upgrade in South Fork.
  2. Inspection of line. (09-12-02 - 09-14-02)

Week of 02-21-03 to 02-23-03

  1. Inspection of Locomotive.
  2. Inspection of line. (motorcar)

Week of 03-08-03 to 03-10-03

  1. Inspection of M.O.W. equipment.
  2. Prep of equipment for move to South Fork. 
  3. Inspection of line.

Week of 03-17-03 to 03-20-03

  1. Inspection of M.O.W. equipment.
  2. Prep of equipment for move to South Fork. 
  3. Inspection of line.

Week of 03-22-03 to 03-25-03

  1. Maintenance work on M.O.W. equipment.
  2. Moving of equipment in South Fork.
  3. Inspection of line.
  4. Clean-up of line.
  5. Meetings.
  6. Motorcar donated.

Week of 04-03-03 to 04-06-03

  1. Maintenance work on M.O.W. equipment.
  2. Moving of equipment in South Fork.
  3. Inspection of line.
  4. Clean-up of equipment.
  5. Clean-up of line.
  6. Wiring done for 36.
  7. Donation of equipment.
  8. Testing of M.O.W. equipment. 

With the busy schedule in 2003 we did not keep up with the web site, in 2004 we will try to do better....

Week of 04-18-04 to 04-24-04

  1. Work on new Foundation Offices in Monte Vista
  2. Maintenance on MOW Equipment
  3. Moved RGS Coach 252 from Durango to Monte Vista, in the snow...

Week of 04-25-04 to 05-01-04

  1. Work continues on new Foundation Offices in Monte Vista
  2. Restoration work started on RGS # 252
  3. Planning sessions and work started on museum section of building.
  4. Spring inspection of line started and work details noted. 

Future Week of ??-??-??

  1. Trespassing signs re-lettered.
  2. Rail Repair continues.
  3. Measure right-of-ways by GPS and begin siding and yard measurements.
  4. Fencing off additional storage yards.
  5. Install Ties and Ties and Ties.......
  6. Additional Tractor Work.
***Future work weekends and training will be scheduled throughout the Summer and Fall months. Contact the Foundation to put your name on the list if you would like to give us a hand.

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Foundation News-

News letters are being produced. 

 

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At the D&RG Rwy Shop........

  1. D&RG RY Motor No. 1 is under construction, stay tuned.
  2. Parts gathering for rail bikes.
  3. Materials and tools moved to new shop in Monte Vista.

 

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Donations of Equipment Needed.........

We are in need of the following:

  1. Small & Large tractors
  2. Bush Hogs
  3. Spray and fire suppression equipment
  4. Rail car equipment ( speeders ),  rail trailers
  5. High Rail Equipment
  6. Tractors - front loaders - backhoe - dozer
  7. Shop Equipment - welders, lathes, drill presses, hand tools, etc.......
  8. Railroad Equipment
  9. Buildings
  10. Fencing Material
  11. Weed Killer

We have limited ability to pick up this equipment so figure cost of shipment against value of donated equipment.

If you have these or other equipment you think we could use, please let us know, it is all tax deductible...  Thanks.....

Back to Top
 

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Home Up

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Web Site E-Mail Address is Wagon-Wheel-Gap@hotmail.com

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Also see our History of San Luis Valley & it's Railroads web site:

Wagon-Wheel-Gap.freehomepage.com

It's still under construction but you may find it interesting.

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This is not an official web site of the D&RG Ry. Historical Foundation. 
It is a private informational site by Richard Cutter who is solely responsible for content and
content is not submitted to, approved nor controlled by the D&RG Historical Foundation.

Unless otherwise Noted

Historical Photographs 1800's to 1940's from the National Archives

Photos, Videos and Text are Copyrighted by Richard Cutter
   - Photos can be used for non-commercial use if plainly identified as to copyright holder and location, such as "at Wagon-Wheel-Gap-Route, Colorado"

The name "Wagon Wheel Gap Route" refers to the section of the Creede Branch of the Old "Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad" that extends from South Fork to Creede Colorado, the name was developed and used for this website and is considered as our trademark.

Last updated: July 03, 2005

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