Golden Goosed near Denver

Here are a few shots at the Golden Railway Museum near Denver on a Galloping Goose day. These interesting beasts were a form of mixed traffic railcar on the 3 foot system of the Denver & Rio Grange. The railway was in hard times after the war and still had the contract for mail, goods and school children. Each goose was different which makes it a nightmare for modellers.

 

Pity you didn't put them in the photo quiz thread, I'd have got it in one. Sadly I visited Golden on a non operating day so never go to see one of these contraptions in action.

 

We were on our way back to the UK after 3 weeks in Colorado and Utah, this was the last day before an evening flight that night. I had read that the G-gauge model railway was running so was visiting on the strength of that, but found that it was a "Goose" day upon arrival. Very friendly bunch, we were riding up front with the driver when he said to the wife "do you want a go"? Under his tutelage she took it round for a circle! She now wants a model of one for the house!!

 

I'd been out to the Cumbres and Toltec and the Durango and Silverton in '99. Called in on our way back to Denver. Nice bunch.Told them about 34081 and they were fascinated by the chain driven valve gear.

 

It's surprising what can happen when having a lady with you, who's interested in all things mechanical (erstwhile science and maths teacher). Our first trip to Canada was in 1989, an organised one right across the Dominion ending in Vancouver. The penultimate day was a steam hauled trip to Squamish behind Royal Hudson 2860, we had the open ended observation car at the back. Upon arrival at Squamish we dutifully went up to the front end for a chat with the crew to find we were the only ones who did so. An invite onto the footplate soon followed and continued whilst they turned her on the triangle and then watered. The wife asking allsorts of educated questions about the loco came as a bit of a surprise to the guys (we knew the original owner of 6960 and foot-plated with him several times on the SVR), who then asked did we want to footplate all the way back to Vancouver? You don't need to guess the reply. Below is a photo of my wife hanging out of the cab at Squamish watching for a hand single from the ground to help the driver (engineer).

 

I hope WCRC don't see these it might give them ideas.

 

If loadings start to suffer that much I'm sure Eddie up the road in Carlisle has a few old trucks suitable for consideration!

 

Here's another one Stuart, I hope Carnforth don't see this!! A trip to Ecuador on the Good & Quick.