Final Departure For Robert LeMassena

Robert LeMassena photo by Matt Isaacks

Robert LeMassena died on October 1st, 2013, 311 days before his 100th birthday. His published works preserving the history of Colorado's railroads and in particular the Rio Grande forms the cornerstone on which much of my work is based. My library card has a permanent groove in it from repeated loans of Colorado's Mountain Railroads and Rio Grande: To the Pacific!, two of his Sundance books that command top dollar at train shows and book retailers. It's unfortunate that I never had the opportunity to convey my appreciation of his work while he was still with us.

Earlier this month, Nathan Holmes of DRGW.net had this to say,

Bob left us a great deal of his amassed knowledge through his books - the most notable to most Rio Grande fans being "Rio Grande... to the Pacific!" RGTTP is an invaluable piece of work, and is still my go-to reference for the Grande's often convoluted historical timeline.

Holmes also speculated that the Colorado Railroad Museum will have a memorial event of some kind in the near future.

Trains magazine also presented an obituary in its news wire, noting his 35 bylines and numerous stories for the magazine dating from 1963. His lifelong passion for railroads led to many stories, op-ed pieces and industry articles, with much of his work centered on steam locomotive design and operation, which was a natural considering his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering.

Colorado and railroad historians have lost a true "steam buff" in Robert LeMassena. From the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western yard in East Orange, New Jersey in his youth to the high mountain passes and thundering articulated locomotives in the Colorado high country and beyond, his long life was spent in the pursuit of his passion for railroads and the engines that powered them. Few were so lucky as he in this regard. I wish him Godspeed on his final departure.◊

Colorado Flooding: First Looks At the Devastation

"The problem with this event is that it affects every road of the county," "It’s a sinking feeling to know that if someone calls 9-1-1, we’re not going to be able to reach them," and "We don't know what we don't know," said by Joe Pelle, Boulder County Sheriff of one of the affected areas. These are words you don't want to hear when you have loved ones in the path of destruction.

Loveland, Ft. Collins, Greeley, Lyons, and other smaller towns are severely impacted by the flooding. The Big Thompson River, the same that flash flooded in 1976 and killed 143 people, has destroyed everything near the narrows of the canyon. Other portions along the river are not as bad, but portions of missing highway are isolating more people where it's the only way out.

In Longmont, portions of railroad served as levy and dike to protect some neighborhoods, while other sections of railroad (and neighborhoods) lay completely underwater. See the raw footage:



If the weather cooperates, I'm speculating the damage to railroad infrastructure and the counties' roads will take months to fully repair. I hope, for Colorado's sake, that I'm wrong. That's not nearly as bad as the potential cost in lives, which stands at 3 but could definitely climb in the next few days and weeks. I'm praying the break in the weather holds.◊

Front Range Flooding Affects BNSF, UP

There have been widespread road closures due to flooding, including I-25 in both directions from Denver to the Wyoming state line. In my experience, any disruption that affects a road will affect a railroad to some extent, with an emphasis on proximity to the source. This holds true for this week's craziness. Greeley--I've just learned--is inundated.

Colorado's Woes Owed to Historic Rainfall

While Colorado has had occasional and rare stretches of showers and overcast skies, the rainfall this week has shattered records. In some places, over half a year's worth of rain fell in a few short days. No one I know can recall this kind of flooding ever happening here. Ever.

Erosion fascinates me. Water under pressure does amazing things. Canyons thought to form over millennia can happen within days, as witnessed on Mt. Saint Helens, given the right pressure, viscosity and debris. Dams thought secure can overtop and within minutes begin to tear open. And as witnessed this week on network TV, roads can be eaten out from under cars while people sit inside unaware and in grave danger.

Considering the weight of locomotives, cars and cargo, imagine what a pair of rails need to stay solid. Railroads are only as good as the ballast beneath them. Still, there's something else I noticed today.

Colorado's cities (red) and railroads (dashed lines). Quick and ugly map created on nationalatlas.gov
The northern half of the Front Range Urban Corridor is highlighted.

When you look at the state's railroads, perhaps the most densely developed railroad corridor is the northern Front Range, the piedmont between Denver and Wyoming, and ground zero for our disaster. Clearly, the worst place to have a flood in Colorado--as far as rail is concerned--is right there. It's development fueled the 19th and 20th century economies for Colorado and the rest of the mountain states. History runs thick. This area saw the first rail connection for Denver and the then-Territory of Colorado with the rest of the nation on the Pacific railroad. These rails served the introduction for thousands of travelers making their way to Colorado for a holiday or a new life to settle as a pioneer.

Ironically, Amtrak's Pioneer traveled the same rails, but in the opposite direction from Denver northward to Seattle until the early 90s. Since then, only the California Zephyr continues to grace Denver's presence. While Amtrak hasn't issued any information regarding the status of the daily Zephyr, both Class I railroads in Colorado have issued statements.

Class I Railroads Affected

Union Pacific issued a statement yesterday regarding the impact of the storms, indicating a likely delay of 24 hours for the affected areas including Limon, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, Rolla and Greeley.

BNSF issued a more detailed statement today regarding specific locations, saying,

The track at South Colorado Springs, Colorado is out of service due to washout. South Colorado Springs, Colorado is approximately 72 miles south of Denver, Colorado. The main track is expected to return to service later this evening, Friday, September 13, 2013.

The tracks at Boulder, Colorado and Loveland, Colorado are out of service due to multiple washouts. Boulder, Colorado is approximately 30 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado, and Loveland, Colorado is approximately 52 miles north of Denver, Colorado. No estimated return to service has been issued yet. Customers between Broomfield, Colorado, and Dixon, Colorado, will not be serviced until track is restored.

You can bet the MOW gangs are going to have a time making the weak sections solid again.

Stay dry, folks! Hopefully, we've seen the worst of it.◊

Caterpillars Versus Aspen Fall Colors

Fall colors on Kebler Pass 2012
Photo by Aakash sahai, CCL3.0

Fall colors in Colorado are beautiful if you time it right. A golden week of Aspen color makes its way through Colorado--north to south--from early September to mid-October. If you time it right, the Rockies are alight with gold with hints of orange and red. If not, the gold is still easy to find, but not nearly as plentiful.

It's usually one or the other for my family when we go. Most years, anyway.

I've been hearing some disturbing rumors that the season will be severely affected or possibly killed outright in some regions like far southern Colorado and northern New Mexico by a rampaging herd of caterpillars. Tent worms or tent caterpillars apparently love to munch aspen leaves. As though the fires earlier this year and the perennial beetle kill in other parts of the state weren't enough, we now may have a total lack of foliage in some formerly picturesque spots.

Steam Train Videos has a shot of one of James Parfrey's latest trips shot earlier this 2013 season. It turns out the infestation was turning the tracks into a slippery ...well, if you care about insects, you probably shouldn't watch. I can't imagine what bird--except a Mudhen like 463--wouldn't mind growing fat on these things, especially after a train ...wounds so many of them. On the bright side, aspen leaves are good for salicylates, the key ingredient in aspirin, so when the train crushes one of the buggers, they might not feel pain ...at least not as much.



According to a family friend, folks are saying that the aspens can take this for a year or even two, but continued over-grazing by the Tent caterpillar could negatively affect the aspen stands in a permanent way. Let's hope they're wrong. I don't truly know how severe it is for this season or for every location, but a well-timed call to the Cumbres & Toltec or your specific railroad of choice may keep your fall trip from going bust.

For more, watch the video below. It's a bit alarmist, but like the guy says, time will tell.◊

Railroading 101: Modern Freight Railroads

With no Bronco game :-[ this Labor Day weekend, there's more than enough time to take in a movie or an extra show. A few years ago, History channel turned out an episode about "Freight Trains." Although one or two minor errors slipped by--that I could tell, anyway--the 45 minute documentary does a more than passable job in explaining the basics of steam piston valves, diesel engine construction, freight cars, yards, and virtually every other aspect of modern railroading in America, including the demise of steam and FRED's elimination of the caboose. While there is nothing that ties into Colorado directly, there is plenty to keep even the casual viewer interested.

It was good to see Jim Boyd, former editor of Railfan & Railroad magazine and an accomplished author make an appearance in the episode. He was a great asset to railfans everywhere. He will be sorely missed.◊

Could I-25's Woes Be Improved By 2014?

Yes, says a Colorado Springs' Independent article about CDOT's desire to improve the I-25 corridor with a multimodal approach.

According to the article, since the demise of FREX last year under Colorado Springs' Mayor Steve Bach, the traffic on I-25 has gone from so-so to so-not-moving. Could CDOT assist with a regional solution? Under 2009's FASTER legislation, yes it can, but only if funding and state supporters jump on board.

Lest we believe CDOT's rail proponents exclusively, a northern Colorado CDOT official's gripe about fixing roads before rail can be heard clear from Fort Collins. Nevermind the subject's withering truck traffic load.

Thanks to the Colorado Rail Passenger Association for these links.◊

The Vanishing Rock Island - Colorado Springs Civic Leaders Steal Their Own City's Future

Gazette.com photo by Michael Ciaglo

While trolley supporters up in Denver view their preserved trolley car this weekend, trolley supporters in Colorado Springs are fighting desperately to save the stub end of the Rock Island Railroad for future use as a commuter line, but short-sighted city officials just see an eyesore and a source of scrap iron revenue they could step in and steal.

Claude Wiatrowski, Springs resident and author of Railroads of Colorado and Railroads Across North America wrote in a comment on the Gazette article,

This is part of the Rock Island railroad that once ran between downtown Colorado Springs and Chicago. Recently, the tracks have been intact as far as Limon. I think it is very short sighted that they were not saved at least as far as Falcon. With all the residential development in the Falcon area, this would have made the perfect commuter rail line, connecting a developing residential area to downtown. Instead we will add yet more lanes to Woodmen or Constitution.

Indeed it would make the perfect commuter line! The entire north and east sides of Colorado Springs residents would benefit. Instead of routing traffic to US 24 and forcing more commuters to sit in their cars and travel a longer route, Colorado Springs could keep this line and implement light rail or commuter rail at a fraction of what Denver would have to pay for right-of-way acquisition. What are the civic leaders of Colorado Springs thinking? Is it really time to eat the seed you saved for planting?

If we have to take up the tracks, stockpile them at the Springs Trolley museum for protection and eventual restoration. Then pass city legislation preserving the entirety of the route for future transit. If Colorado Springs truly wants a good future, it's elected leaders shall preserve and protect it today.◊

This Weekend, History of Denver's Transit Past At Fed Center

This weekend, folks near the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood have an annual opportunity to connect with other railroads and a unique part of history. Lee Ryan explains:

Saturday, August 10th is the once a year roll-out for Denver & Intermountain R.R. Co. Interurban trolley #25 and I will be on board as an operator throughout the day.

This Interurban trolley was built in Denver, CO in 1911 by the Woeber Carriage Co. Being an Interurban trolley it had a top speed of 70mph. It is the only original Denver trolley lo still in existence. It was pulled out of the Colorado Railroad Museum by the Rocky Mountain RR Club and moved to the Denver Federal Center for complete restoration. After many, many, many volunteer hours, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, this trolley has been restored to its original 1911 appearance. The trolley is just about finished with only some minor things to tinker with as time permits. It has been 20+ years of hard dedicated work to get this far. For now the trolley is operational on a 1/4 mile section of track at the Denver Federal Center and is stored inside on Federal Center property. It is interesting to note that the track it operates on today is the same track it operated on over 60 years ago.

The #25 is now owned by the City of Lakewood, CO. Operators are provided by the Denver Tramway Heritage Society which owns and operates breezer trolley replica #1977 along the South Platte River.

Saturday's event is open to the public from 10am-2pm. Rides on the #25 are free, donations are welcome. The Denver Federal Center is located at 6th Ave. & Kipling St. in Lakewood, Colorado. Enter at gate #1 off of Kipling St. through the Visitor Gate. Everyone entering the Federal Center property will have to show an I.D. to the guard. Once inside, follow the road to the stop sign and turn right. Signs will point you to the trolley event.

We hope you can join us for a trip back in time on the Denver & Intermountain Interurban trolley #25!

Sounds like fun, Lee! Best of all, it's free!◊

POTD: Blending into Plain Sight

Photo: Frank Keller

Sometimes railroad photography is nothing but a locomotive and a frame, or even a simple headlight or a machine used to create one special part for one piece the railroad simply couldn't do without. Other times you have to search for a sign of the railroad in the photograph. It seems that sometimes it's far afield, still others it's right in front of you and you wouldn't know it. In this case on the Joint Line, it's both.

On the cool morning of October 24, 2010, the bright orange of this BNSF coal train blends in with the autumn brush colors as it descends from Monument below the watchful gaze of the Rampart Range and the northern reaches of the Air Force Academy grounds along the Rio Grande right-of-way. The other half of the Joint Line, the Santa Fe right-of-way, is in the immediate foreground, abandoned 41 years ago, with a handful of pilings and a single bent showing the former trestle site for what it is.◊

POTD: History Running Late

Photo: Mike Danneman

Popping in and out of sunlight, the California Zephyr makes it's way through Rocky in the early evening along the Front Range. Nothing would be amiss if this were train 6, the eastbound heading for Denver. Unfortunately, this is train 5, the westbound heading up to Granby and Glenwood Springs at 6:40 PM on June 25, 2011. Amtrak Phase III heritage unit #145 rides point as it scrounges the rails for spare minutes to make up a schedule that is 10 hours late, according to photographer Mike Danneman, who has taken POTD for both yesterday and today. Amtrak #145 is one of five units painted in a special heritage paint scheme celebrating Amtrak and its history of 40 years from 1971 to 2011. History, at least today, is running late.◊

POTD: Tunnel Motor at Minturn

Photo: Mike Danneman

Today's Photo of the Day comes from Mike Danneman. His photo, titled Tunnel Motor at Minturn, captured Rio Grande SD40T-2 #5398 at the head of a westbound coal train waiting for a new crew in Minturn before departing for Dotsero, Glenwood Springs and points west. Mr. Danneman's choice of including the rail for the foreground is no mistake. The top of the rail is where everything happens for this train and the entire Rio Grande Railroad! The more I look at this photo, the more I like it. That's a good sign!◊

''Tell My Wife I Died Thinking Of Her''

Over a century ago, the tale of Denver, South Park & Pacific engineer William Westall was a popular story and eventually people retold often enough that it entered into folklore. The common version is simple but memorable enough:

• A train filled with people was headed down the track
• Rounding a curve, the engineer saw an alarming sight. The track was obstructed with rocks and boulders
• Too late to stop in time, the engineer ordered his fireman to jump while he stayed and rode the brakes, in an attempt to spare his passengers
• While the train was slowed enough to prevent certain doom, the engine still struck the obstruction, mortally wounding the engineer
• Dying in his fireman's arms, the engineer's final words were, "Tell my wife I died thinking of her."

Westall Monument, photo by Milly Roeder

While typically devoid of details, the folk tale is nonetheless true. It might have been lost forever to history, if it weren't for a cryptic monument and a tourist's curiosity. The full story of the monument, the tourist and the engineer who saved 450 passengers from death is recorded by Milly Roeder in an article, The Story of Billy Westall and the Westall Monument, originally published in 1998 by the Jefferson County Historical Commission.

The next year after Westall's death, the DSP&P was absorbed in the 1899 merger creating the Colorado & Southern. That same year, the monument was placed along the right of way near the spot of the derailed engine. For the next century, it stood, surviving not only the C&S, but the Burlington, BN and all the people who ever knew Westall. The monument itself, according to the 14 year-old article, was in peril of falling into the river.

Enter a group of students, the National Junior Honor Society from West Jefferson Middle School in Conifer. Over the past year and a half, they've been planning and working to restore the monument. Notably, the way they're going about it seems to be working. They've involved a number of folks, like Denver Water's Neil Sperandeo, and historic groups, including Colorado Preservation Inc. and the Denver South Park & Pacific Historic Society. As of this month, work has progressed to the point that they have a new site picked out and could use some grant money to restore the monument to its new location. Those interested in getting involved or donating to the project should e-mail Mr. Frank Reetz of West Jefferson Middle School.

All this cooperation and learning is happening because of history, preservation, and adults who are willing to get involved. Certainly, a lot of good is coming out of the tragic death of an engineer.◊