Aspen Branch D&RGW is a forum for information on the past, present and future of this historic, publicly-owned rail corridor.
In mid August 2002 we were joined by motorcar operators from Colorado's Front Range and RFTA* personnel in a weekend cleanup of the former Denver Rio Grande Western Aspen Branch railway.
Our first excursions were on Sept. 7-8, when 7 motorcar operators brought their cars over and provided public rides from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale and return. Thanks to everyone who helped us with this successful fund-raising effort.
In October 2003 we took delivery of our restored Fairmont A4e rail motorcar (#9506, an original D&RGW car) and operated her on several weekends, carrying invited friends.
2004 found a "new" rail vehicle on a siding next to the Glenwood wye, a 1949 General Electric 45-ton diesel-electric locomotive presented to our chapter by Xcel Energy (formerly Public Service of Colo). This powerful little switcher was originally purchased for service at the Arapahoe Power Plant, then moved to the Cameo plant when larger power was purchased. Many thanks to Ross Talbott of Talbott Enterprises, Rifle Equipment, Dave Gibbons and Union Pacific for making the move happen.
Sadly, the RFTA Board and management elected to sell the rails from Woody Creek to 23rd St. in Glenwood Springs for scrap. The right-of-way is now mostly covered with a hiking-biking trail, despite the obvious need for rail service to alleviate the rush-hour logjams on State Highway 82.
Update, 5/03/11; the locomotive has been sold to the Hudson Terminal Rwy. north of Denver and has left our valley as of today.
* Roaring Fork Transportation Authority