I caught up with the recently “Shopped" RGS #41 on a “Shakedown” run to Rockwood at Hermosa, Friday 11/17/23. In part 1, I chase the test run to Rockwood and record this historic event at several locations along the way. Several stops are made to inspect, lubricate and deal with a hot journal box on the tender on this break in run.
This 142-year-old locomotive looks great and sounds good.
More, including "SHAKEDOWN", Pacing With Tonnage, • The Rio Grande Souther... and soon, Part 2.
Part 2 will include the Rockwood departure, Shalona Crossing, Pinkerton Siding, Hermosa and “Pacing” in the dark to Trimble
The #41 was purchased by Knotts Berry Farm in 1951 and has spent the last 72 years running clockwise around the less than a mile circle. I first rode the #41 at 5 in mid 1950's, again in the mid 90's and mid 2000's. It was awesome to hear, see her running straight at 20+ MPH and pulling a grade.
The #41 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1881 as a 2-8-0 Consolidation, for the D&RG as #409 "Red Cliff", sold to the RGS and renumbered #41 in 1916 and classified as a "C-19" in 1921.
The 70-year-old RGS #41 was purchased by Knotts Berry Farm for the Ghost Town & Calico Railroad in Buena Park, CA. In Feb. 2022 the #41 was trucked to Durango for a complete rebuild and has been off limits to unauthorized photographs and videos till now.