Colorado & Southern 2-8-0 71, at its original display site in Central City, Colorado, in 1952. By the late 1960s, the railroad here (removed in the early 1930s) would be rebuilt and operate with Central American 2-8-0s and a Shay, only to disappear again, be rebuilt again, and operate briefly with No. 71 itself. I'm told casino buildings have now obliterated this site and No. 71 is parked elsewhere.

http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/cushman ... num=P06360

There will be an article concerning the Central City operations (really mainly a Georgetown Loop history) about this old line. #71 is, I believe, now at Harvey's Wagon Wheel Casino in Central City; it was as of last year.

As for the IRCA 2-8-0s, only #44 operated at Central City. When it was transferred to the Loop, the Ashbys brought in the WSL #14 (as Camino Cable & Northern #4; renumbered back to 14 later on). That operation ceased around 1978; Cort Hammond ran from 1987-89. The Ashbys' line as around a mile; Cort Hammond didn't make it out as far.

-Ed Kelley

Pretty sure I saw No. 40 running at Central City also, about 1974, with the Shay running alternately, but not pulling cars. I think the 44 had been sent over to Silver Plume by that time, as work had started on the Loop

The #40 didn't arrive until 1977, when it was brought up to Silver Plume directly. It left Guatemala under its own power for part of the time, and in tow was some other equipment, including sister IRCA Consolidation #111 and some rolling stock which went to the Sundown & Southern. The 44 was sent over in late 73/early 74 I believe. Operations started on the Loop, more or less, in 1975. The 44 and 14 were, at one point, both operating in Central City; previous to that and after, it was a one-locomotive operation with either the 44, or the 4 (14). Operations ceased in Central City around 1977, under the Colorado Central Narrow Gauge Railroad/Ashby name.

-Ed Kelley

Bob,
You're indeed correct; typographical error; it was 19(6)8 when #40 was purchased; arrived in 1972 and did indeed operate in Central City until closing after 77/78. #40 and WSL #8 joined #44, the sole Loop locomotive previous to 1978, in 1978. #14 didn't arrive until 1981, and #12 in 1986, after Quality Resorts sold off the West Side & Cherry Valley equipment. #15 was the last Shay to leave Tuolumne; minor repairs were done in the old enginehouse and a short test-steaming was onde.

-EK