The Galloping Goose is a narrow gauge motorcar built by the Rio Grande Southern RR in the 1930s to provide economical service to far flung areas of SW Colorado during the Great Depression. The Goose hauled passengers, freight and mail using a Buick or Pierce Arrow gas engine. It became known as the Galloping Goose because of the goose-like honking horn and the way it waddled down the track. We rode an excursion trip on the Goose with many photo runbys. It was a very personal experience as there were only 7 paying passengers. Here are some pics...
The Eureka and Palisade #4 is a restored narrow gauge wood burning locomotive owned by a private individual from Nevada. Built in 1875, it is one of the oldest narrow gauge locomotives in the country. It was hauled to Railfest on a lowboy truck. It is absolutely beautiful and smelled like a campfire as it steamed by. We chased it to get some photos. We also chased a special Presidential Dinner Train and got a shot near Cascade Canyon.
A unique event of the weekend was the Parade of Trains. As each train arrived from their excursions on Saturday they lined up in front of the depot. Over the course of 2 hours there were 7 locomotives staged in a V formation for all to see. We met Al Harper, the owner of the Durango and Silverton, as he worked the crowd. After allowing the spectators to walk thru the array of engines all 7 locomotives blasted their whistles at once. It was an ear piercing screech followed by big smiles all around.
What a great weekend! Any serious or casual railfan should have The Durango and Silverton Railfest on their bucket list.
