Description

Volume 2, Number 1 — M. Keith Williams, Editor
(Published Q1‑2003, 34 pages)

Volume 2, Number 1 continues The Prospector’s mission of delivering authoritative Rio Grande history, modeling guidance, and archival research. Edited by M. Keith Williams, this issue blends locomotive history, corporate identity studies, wreck‑recovery equipment, depot modeling, and signal practices—reflecting the magazine’s commitment to documenting the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in depth and with accuracy.

Featured Articles

• The History of C‑16 No. 278 — Jerry B. Day
  A definitive, richly detailed history of one of the Rio Grande’s most beloved narrow‑gauge locomotives. Day traces No. 278 from its 1882 Baldwin construction through decades of service on Marshall Pass, the Lake City branch, the Baldwin branch, and its final preservation at Cimarron. Includes rare photographs, operational notes, rebuild history, and a complete technical specification table.
• D&RGW Heralds and Slogans — Herbert S. Edwards
  A visual and historical survey of the Rio Grande’s evolving heralds, lettering styles, and marketing slogans. Edwards documents the transition from early “Scenic Line of the World” motifs to later speed‑lettering and post‑war branding, providing valuable reference material for historians and modelers.
• D&RGW Side‑Boom Wreck Dozers — Jim Eager
  A technical overview of the Rio Grande’s specialized side‑boom dozers used in wreck cleanup and heavy recovery work. Eager outlines their origins, mechanical adaptations, and field use across the system, supported by rare photographs and equipment notes.
• Modeling the Silverton Depot (S Scale) — Tom Troughton, MMR
  A step‑by‑step modeling article detailing the construction of the Silverton depot in S scale. Troughton covers materials, techniques, prototype references, and finishing details, offering practical guidance for modelers across scales.
• D&RGW’s Silverton, Colorado Depot — Allan C. Lewis
  A companion prototype article documenting the history, architecture, and operational role of the Silverton depot. Includes period photographs and contextual notes that complement the modeling feature.
• Rio Grande Signals: Prototype & Model — Frank Keller
  A comprehensive look at Rio Grande signal practices, illustrated with field photography from Utah and Colorado. Keller explains signal types, aspects, mast configurations, and modeling considerations for accurate replication.
• Artifacts — M. Keith Williams
  A curated selection of Rio Grande historical artifacts presented by editor Keith Williams. This section highlights documents, memorabilia, and physical items that illuminate the operational and cultural legacy of the D&RGW.

Collector’s Note
This issue is offered in limited remaining print quantities, with CD‑ROM editions also available for long‑term reference and research. Volume 2, Number 1 is an essential addition for anyone building a complete Prospector archive, offering a balanced blend of prototype history, modeling content, and preserved Rio Grande material culture.