bobyar2001 wrote:
Formerly Pagosa Jct., on the narrow gauge west of Chama. Scrappers left this tank, a bridge and some freight cars when they were done in 1970. The Gomez store there was a frequent stop for train chasing photographers, but the historic general store was moved to Pagosa Springs a few years ago.
Also preserved was the steam powered pumphouse. While several large pumping stations have been preserved more or less intact; it is difficult find any of these small pumphouses intact today; they came and went with little fanfare.This exterior photograph was taken by Bill Pratt in June of 2003. The tracks are to the left, a storage bin for coal was behind it, and the suction pipe for the steam pump can seen entering from the right.
The interior of the pumphouse is shown in this photograph, also by Bill Pratt. A vertical boiler and a Cameron simplex pump is shown. It is a jewel in that it is complete; looks like all it needs is a fire in the boiler, and you are ready. Even the grates and tools for the pump could still be found here.
It was stated on the Narrow Gauge discussion forum that Pagosa Junction was preserved by the Ute Tribe; whose reservation surrounds it. They had hoped to form a tourist railroad, but it never materialized.-James Hefner Hebrews 10:20a Surviving World Steam Project