PROGRAMS OF THE PUEBLO RAILWAY FOUNDATION

MUSEUM
The Museum is the culmination of all of our activities.  It also provides interface with the general public; sharing our collections and knowledge.  The Museum is an entire institution just as much as it is the physical space in the rail yard and the Heritage Center, the library and archives.  The Pueblo Railway Museum is staffed by our volunteers, supervised by curators and management.


Ongoing  maintenance of trackwork and equipment, both operating and artifacts, is also a facet of museum operation.  The grounds must be kept clean and safe, at all times. 

 

RESTORATION

Several restoration projects are either in progress or being planned for the historic equipment in our collection.  Our goal is to preserve this equipment and present it to our visitors as it was at the time of its greatest use.  New opportunities are always arising and we must prioritize them based on availability of funds and volunteers. 

 
Some of our major preservation projects are:
           The "Patriot" (After)                                                                 C&W 102   (Before)     

 

  • Cosmetic restoration of steam locomotive #2912.  Some parts

    were removed by our predescessor organization in preparation
    of a complete restoration and also asbestos abatement.  Restor-
    ation of large steam locomotives to operating condition is no
    longer economically feasible.  We do wish to restore this giant
    example of steam's final hour to original appearance and preserve
    it for future generations.  Project is currently under study to develop a reasonable plan.  The engine is a listed in the Colorado Register of Historic Places and Artifacts and thus eligible for certain  state restoration grants.  Many of these grants only pay 50% of the cost.  We created a  2912 FUND to raise the "matching funds" required to receive restoration grants for the purpose of saving this beautiful engine.
      
  • The restoration work on C&S Wood Caboose #10538, a century old relic of typical wood cabooses.   It is looking real good!
     
  • Repainting our GP-7 locomotive #102 to the "Patriot" scheme.  The paint job reproduces the "Bicentennial" paint scheme applied to GP-7 #200 in 1975 to honor our nation's 200th birthday.
  •   At the Pueblo Air Museum, there are two experimental jet powered trainsets which utilized a method of linear induction.  These  one of a kind items were tested at the D.O.T. "test track" near Pueblo and later donated to the City.  The City feels that trains would be more appropriately housed in the railroad museum rather than at the airport but cannot provide transportation.  There is also a rocket powered experimental railcar at the "test track" that is another "one of a kind" item and available to our museum.  Transportation from the airport to our museum in the heart of downtown Pueblo could be a major expense. 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 

       The museum presents living history to visitors and offers "hands on" experiences.  Alternating exhibits make each visit experience.  We currently engage in several specific educational programs:

  • Developing and conducting tours for school children in cooperation with schools.  This backs up history and science classroom experiences.
  • Periodic public events featuring "hands on" learning experiences and train rides.   Programs are held in conjunction with the Pueblo City-County Library District to encourage an appreciation of reading.  Some events are also a major source of income to the Pueblo Railway Foundation to support our programs and activities.
  • Promote safety at grade crossings and near railroad property.  We utilize materials from Operation Lifesaver, a sucessful safety awareness developed by the railroad industry.
  • Locating retired and veteran railroaders and documenting their oral histories while such a valuable resource is still available.  There are many retired railroaders in the Pueblo area.
©Copyright 2007 Pueblo Railway Museum