Rio Grande Chasing the Narrow Gauge Alamosa to Durango By Robert Richardson harc
Rio Grande Chasing the Narrow Gauge Alamosa to Durango By Robert W Richardson
Hardbound with dust jacket
200 pages
Copyright 2002 FIRST EDITION REFLECTIONS from the lights on some photos
CONTENTS
About the Author
Introduction The Narrow Gauge Motel
Chapter 1Alamosa in 1948
My Venture Into Postcard Manufacturing
Chapter 2 Alamosa: A Tough Town in Early Times.
Chapter 3 The Chili Line
Chapter 4 A Day at Cumbres
Color Section
Chapter 5 Locomotives & Rolling Stock
Chapter 6 Chama: Hardship Location
Chapter 7 Plotting to End the Narrow Gauge
Epilogue
THE NARROW GAUGE MOTEL
I spent 43 years in Colorado, half .., my life. Prior to moving there, I spent five vacations in the state,. and like most railfans, devote' most of that time to exploring the 700 miles of remaining Narrow Gauge.
Prior to World War II a trickle of fans ventured over the Colorado lines, but after the end of the war, there was a large increase in visitors, who unwittingly gave a great deal of publicity, that brought thousands of non-fans to visit and ride the narrow gauge lines.
The flamboyant writer Lucius Beebe gave the Durango area in particular a million dollars of national publicity, which brought that community to take the startling step of putting up a billboard proclaiming it as the "Narrow Gauge Capital of the World."
Bored with my job at a tire company, I readily assented to a proposition to go build and operate a motel, as Carl Helfin and I both found the state very short in tourist accommodations. It wasn't at all unusual for tourists in mountainous areas to spend the night sleeping in their cars.
Alamosa Is Chosen
In 1948 we checked out the various towns on the Narrow Gauge, finally selecting Alamosa as one of the most ey b have a year-round business. The tourist season was short, June to Labor Day, with just a few heavy weeks. Alamosa was a commercial center and commercial travelers, though not in large numbers, were likely off-season customers. It was D&RGW railroad divisional headquarters, and had a sizeable payroll (estimated over $ I million per year), which steadied its economy. Even so, winter business was a red ink matter for a motel.
The 10 years, 1948-1958, at Alamosa enabled me to keep an eye on the railroad doings and to spend many a day off with a camera in pursuit of photos along the various lines, or just exploring some long-abandoned route.
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: Ebay will add $1.25 each additional items, there are a few exceptions.
Ebay Global shipping charges are shown. These items are shipped to Kentucky and forwarded to you. Ebay collects the shipping and customs / import fees. Refunds may be issued if you add multiple items to your cart and pay with one payment. For direct postage rates to these countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Payment options
Payment must be received within 7 days. Paypal is accepted.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us first. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding.
Thanks for looking at our items.
|