Description

Volume 1, Number 3 — M. Keith Williams, Editor
(Published Q3‑2002, 34 pages)

Volume 1, Number 3 continues the inaugural year of The Prospector with a dynamic mix of locomotive history, regional depot research, operational features, and modeling content. Edited by M. Keith Williams, this issue deepens the magazine’s early commitment to documenting both the modern and historic Rio Grande through detailed research and richly illustrated articles.

Featured Articles

• Smurfs & Pumpkins — Robert R. Harmen, D.D.S A definitive history of the twenty‑three ex‑Conrail GP40s acquired by the Rio Grande in 1983—locomotives that quickly became known as “Smurfs” for their patch‑painted blue appearance, and later “Pumpkins” after receiving the distinctive “Kansas City Orange” repaint. Harmen traces their origins, renumbering, paint variations, service assignments, and eventual dispersal following the SP and UP mergers. The article includes extensive photography and a complete roster table documenting each unit’s lineage, release dates, and paint scheme variations.
• Grande Designs: Depots & Facilities of the Pike’s Peak Region — Allan C. Lewis A richly researched historical survey of the depots, stations, and railroad facilities that once dotted the Pike’s Peak region. Lewis explores how the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande transformed Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, highlighting the architectural diversity of D&RG structures—from grand passenger depots to simple platforms and rural agency stations. The article includes period maps, early photographs, and context on how the railroad shaped settlement and commerce across El Paso County.
• Grand Junction Hump Yard, 1952–1997 — A. B. Kent Sr. A detailed look at the rise, operation, and eventual closure of the Grand Junction hump yard, a key classification point on the western end of the Rio Grande system. Kent traces the yard’s construction, mechanical systems, traffic patterns, and operational changes over nearly five decades, illustrating its importance to both local and system‑wide freight movements.
• Grande‑ifying the Aristocraft SD45 — Matt Hutson A hands‑on modeling article demonstrating how to transform the large‑scale Aristocraft SD45 into an accurate Rio Grande locomotive. Hutson covers mechanical modifications, detailing, paint and lettering corrections, and prototype‑based improvements—ideal for large‑scale modelers seeking to capture the look of D&RGW 5333 and its sister units.
• Artifacts — M. Keith Williams A curated selection of historical Rio Grande materials assembled by editor Keith Williams. This installment includes:
  • Historic Grand Junction Photographs — three late‑19th‑/early‑20th‑century images contributed by Matt Hutson, offering a rare glimpse into Grand Junction during the railroad’s early years.
  • “Switching at Telluride” — a photographic look at narrow‑gauge switching operations in Telluride, illustrating the unique challenges of working in a confined mountain town.
  • Supplemental photographs related to Robert Harmen’s “Smurfs & Pumpkins” article, providing additional views of the ex‑Conrail GP40s in both patched and repainted appearances. Together, these artifacts provide visual depth and historical texture that complement the issue’s feature articles.

This issue is an essential addition for anyone building a complete personal archive of Prospector volumes, offering a blend of locomotive history, regional research, modeling guidance, and rare Rio Grande imagery from both the steam and diesel eras.