SP #1744 going to Colorado

Alan D Siegwarth · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:51 pm

There has been mention on Trainorders.com that former SP 1744 has been sold from its location in Louisiana and being moved to Colorado. Does anyone know how much the engine sold for?

Earl Knoob · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2007 5:31 pm

I can't tell you how much, but it was considerably less than the asking price.....

Earl Knoob
SLRG
Alamosa,CO

DrewA · **Joined:** Thu Jul 21, 2005 1:27 pm **Posts:** 24

With all these engines going to Colorado, I'm glad I'm moving out there. Wasn't this engine supposed to be in practically turn key condition?

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:05 pm

From Trains.com, apparently from a press release:

ALAMOSA, Colo. - The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Wednesday said it has acquired an operational 1901 2-6-0 steam locomotive, former Southern Pacific 1744, from shortline holding company Rio Grande Pacific. The engine will arrive in Alamosa in April to kick off the railroad's second season, with weekend, holiday, and charter service over La Veta Pass beginning Memorial Day weekend. Weekday and non-holiday service will continue to be provided by existing diesel engines.

Fully rebuilt in 1999-2000, the engine is a virtually "new" vintage addition to the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's collection. The 1744 spent most of her career in California and saw her heyday in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and the early 50s before being retired from service in Los Angeles in 1956. She was recommissioned a few years later to make an appearance in the 1959 feature film "This Earth Is Mine" with Rock Hudson.

After her restoration, the 1744 ran briefly on the New Orleans & Gulf Coast Railway as "The Big Easy Steam Train." After that failed, the engine was placed in storage.

Earl Knoob · **Posted:** Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:29 pm

1744 was overhauled in 1999-2000, shipped to New Orleans and ran only 5 months before the operation shutdown. It has been stored ever since with less than 100 days of service on her.

gw75 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 28, 2007 10:45 pm

I was interested that the press release mentioned nothing of 1744's history in Utah. That's where I met it as a little boy on the Heber Creeper railroad, before it went first to Texas and later to New Orleans.
I did see the engine in operation in New Orleans. It was very beautifully restored, with a great attention to detail. It wasn't as impressive an operation (completely flat) as the Heber line, with it's couple of substantial hills, so you couldn't hear her even work. It sure was nice to hear that pretty SP whistle, though, as the line had many, many crossings.
Hopefully things go well for her in Colorado. It's certainly closer to visit than Louisiana.