Description

Volume 1, Number 1 — M. Keith Williams, Editor
(Published Q1‑2002, 32 pages)

Volume 1, Number 1 marks the premiere issue of The Prospector and introduces the editorial vision, historical depth, and photographic quality that would define the magazine for decades. Edited by M. Keith Williams, this inaugural issue blends Society history, Rio Grande operations, modeling features, and archival imagery—setting the foundation for the publication’s long‑running commitment to documenting the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Featured Articles

• Society Goals and Objectives — M. Keith Williams A foundational statement outlining the mission of the newly formed Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society. Williams traces the legacy of the D&RGW, explains the Society’s commitment to both narrow‑ and standard‑gauge history, and describes its goals in preservation, research, modeling accuracy, and publication.
• Remnants of the Rio Grande: Helper — Dave Abeles A richly illustrated exploration of Helper, Utah—one of the last strongholds of Rio Grande diesel operations. Abeles documents the town’s history, its role in pushing trains over Soldier Summit, and the dramatic operational changes brought by DPU technology. The article captures the atmosphere, sounds, and character of Helper at the turn of the 21st century, including the famed “Dirt Train” and the final years of Rio Grande Tunnel Motors.
• Train Time in Montrose — September 1940 — Bob Webber A photographic time capsule showing the daily arrival of the morning train in Montrose, Colorado. Webber uses historic images to illustrate how passenger and express service connected rural communities to the wider world—bringing mail, newspapers, catalog orders, visitors, and commerce to the Uncompahgre Valley.
• On the Utah Lines That Palmer Built — Reprinted from Green Light, Vol. 20, No. 3 A historical reprint from the D&RGW’s employee newsletter Green Light, this article revisits the Utah lines developed under General William J. Palmer’s leadership. It provides an accessible overview of the construction, purpose, and early operations of these routes, linking The Prospector’s inaugural issue to the railroad’s own tradition of documenting its history.
• Modeling the D&RGW 65′ Mill Gondola in N Scale — Don Spencer A practical, step‑by‑step modeling guide by Don Spencer detailing how to build accurate N‑scale representations of the Rio Grande’s 65‑foot mill gondolas. Spencer covers construction techniques, detailing approaches, and prototype‑based improvements, making this article a valuable resource for N‑scale modelers seeking authenticity.
• Artifacts — M. Keith Williams A curated selection of historical Rio Grande 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, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to preservation and historical study.
• Building PBL Sn3 High Side Gondolas — Tom Troughton, MMR A hands‑on modeling article by Master Model Railroader Tom Troughton, offering detailed guidance for assembling and finishing PBL’s Sn3 high‑side gondola kits. Troughton shares construction techniques, detailing tips, and prototype‑based insights to help modelers achieve accurate and realistic results.
• D&RGW Reference Data & Reviews — Prototype Data, MOW Standards, and Book Reviews This issue presents a valuable set of prototype resources drawn from two key Rio Grande engineering documents. It includes a detailed recapitulation of the railroad’s large‑capacity covered hoppers from the 1977 D&RGW Equipment Catalog, along with illustrated excerpts from the 1966 MOW Standard Plans Book, including drawings for a Standard Section Tool House, Clearance Point markers, Standard Curve Markers, and Standard Cattle Guard and Wing Fences. The section concludes with reviews of two significant books for Rio Grande historians and modelers:
  • A Century of Passenger Trains… and Then Some — Jackson C. Thode A 144‑page hardbound volume covering 112 years of Rio Grande passenger service, featuring many previously unpublished photographs.
  • Denver, Northwestern and Pacific / The Moffat Road — P. R. “Bob” Griswold A 248‑page hardbound history tracing the early years of the DN&P and the development of the Moffat Road up to the D&SL era. These reviews help readers understand how each title contributes to the broader historical record and whether the books merit inclusion in their personal Rio Grande research collection.

This premiere issue is an essential cornerstone for anyone building a complete personal archive of Prospector volumes, capturing the Society’s origins and offering a wide‑ranging introduction to Rio Grande history, modeling, and preservation.