Working rail roads and their tracks.

[BoylermanCT]

My dad and I flew out to Wyoming fall of 2019 to see the Big Boy for a weekend on its way to California. Had a great time chasing the train. Would love to see it again as part of a longer vacation out West.

 

[RobS]

There was a write-up some years back on the logistics of running a steam engine across country in modern times. It was factual, but written with humor. The thing I remember the most is the water supply given that there aren't water towers along the tracks like there used to be. Their comment was something along the lines of "you don't just run into Walmart and grab 20,000 gallons of water". I wish I could find that story...

 

[Hay Dude]

Heading to western states this July.
Can anyone recommend any amazing day rail excursions? Probably be flying into Denver.
It would actually be a great thread “Post best rail excursions here”

 

[MossRoad]

There was a write-up some years back on the logistics of running a steam engine across country in modern times. It was factual, but written with humor. The thing I remember the most is the water supply given that there aren't water towers along the tracks like there used to be. Their comment was something along the lines of "you don't just run into Walmart and grab 20,000 gallons of water". I wish I could find that story...

Hence the term 'jerk water town'.

 

[ArlyA]

We maintain a trail in the National Forest on a Bob lake and at a campground that was a watering station for a logging line. These are RR's put in to log out a section of forest, then pulled up and moved elsewhere. Boilers take good water or there maintence goes up. I looked for a historical link of that RR in particular but can not locate one at this moment. They typically ran for about 20 years.

 

[the old grind]

'Troughs' between the rails in England and water scoops on tenders. (some here too) Cheaper to build/fill than water towers.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I've seen pics of steam trains on tour being filled up by small town fire trucks and tankers.

 

[caver]

Heading to western states this July.
Can anyone recommend any amazing day rail excursions? Probably be flying into Denver.
It would actually be a great thread “Post best rail excursions here”

There's an excursion that goes up through Royal Gorge. I also see they have reopened the Pikes Peak cog railway this year. I did that years ago and enjoyed it. I walked up on the first train in the morning and a few seats had not sold. Looks like reservations would be the way with it being closed since 2017. Durango Silverton another steam narrow gauge but much farther away from Denver.

 

[oliver1555]

Home - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Heading to western states this July.
Can anyone recommend any amazing day rail excursions? Probably be flying into Denver.
It would actually be a great thread “Post best rail excursions here”

Durango to silverton.