The Swan Songs of Central City - Part 5

[Kurt Maechner]

Here is part 5 of a series I have been working on to chronicle the history of the C&Sng displays and restorations in Central City.  

This fifth part covers the Ashby's very short first season running the new Colorado Central Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1968, the financial challenges they faced, and the subsequent second season.  It also looks at two motive power issue questions: Did the CCNG ever consider the use of C&S engine 71? and Why hadn't IRCA No. 40, the second engine they purchased from Central America, arrived in Colorado?  Lastly, it looks at the growing pull the CCNG group felt towards the fledgling, but finally active, restoration work outside of Georgetown.

I'm hoping some of you will enjoy hearing the story, but I am also sharing in hopes to learn more.  I would be happy to receive any information that my readers, especially those involved with rail restoration work in Central City, may have to add to, adjust, or correct the content.  

Enjoy,
Kurt

July 1969 Jeff Terry photo