It’s #ThrowbackThursday! As we get ready to welcome Boulder County residents for Free Day tomorrow, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most storied locomotives on display at the Museum. Owned by the City of Boulder, this historic engine has traveled a long and fascinating path through Colorado railroad history.
Boulder County Public Library Collection.
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Built in 1898 by Brooks Locomotive Works, the 2-8-0 “Consolidation”-type locomotive originally ran as No. 30 on the Colorado & Northwestern Railway, pulling trains along the scenic Switzerland Trail of America out of Boulder. When the railroad was reorganized as the Denver, Boulder & Western (DB&W), the locomotive retained its number and continued operating through Boulder County’s mountainous terrain.
It was later sold to the Colorado & Southern and renumbered No. 74. In 1948, the locomotive was acquired by the Rio Grande Southern (RGS) and served as that famed, southwestern Colorado railroad’s No. 74, hauling freight in the San Juan Mountains until its retirement in 1951.
In 1952 the City of Boulder purchased the locomotive, placing it on display in the community along with a coach and caboose as a tribute to the region’s narrow-gauge railroading heritage. It remained on display in Boulder’s Central Park for more than 50 years, cosmetically restored as DB&W No. 30.
Today, the locomotive is proudly displayed at the Colorado Railroad Museum, currently carrying its final working identity as RGS 74. Found just outside the Museum Depot, its bell is rung by many a guest as they start or end their visit to the Museum.
Tomorrow (Friday, August 
during Boulder County Free Day, all Boulder county residents (with proof of residence) will receive free admission to explore the Museum and discover this local treasure–and many others–for themselves!
during Boulder County Free Day, all Boulder county residents (with proof of residence) will receive free admission to explore the Museum and discover this local treasure–and many others–for themselves!
Hola, quería saber tu precio..
হাই, আমি আপনার মূল্য জানতে চেয়েছিলাম.
I think you should display the locomotive as the Colorado & Northwestern #30. There are already enough RGS cars on display at the museum. At some future date the Colorado & Northwwestern #6 passenger car can go on trucks and also the box car can make a nice mixed train display for the Switzerland Trail.
TM long time member