Description

Volume 03, Number 1 — M. Keith Williams, Editor
(Published First Quarter 2004, 34 pages)

The Prospector is the quarterly journal of the Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society, featuring original research, historic photography, and modeling resources focused on the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad and its predecessors.

Volume 03, Number 1 opens the 2004 publishing year with a strong mix of photographic features, equipment history, accident analysis, and modeling articles that span both standard‑ and narrow‑gauge subjects.

Contents

From the President — Robert S. Webber
Reflections on Society growth, member participation, and the importance of broad contributions to Rio Grande historical preservation.
The D&RGW Photographs of Don Ball, Jr.
A curated selection of Don Ball Jr.’s Rio Grande photography, including the California Zephyr at Bond in 1953. A standout visual feature of this issue.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Tank Cars — Part 1: 10,000‑Gallon Auxiliary Tender Cars
The first installment in a multi‑part series documenting D&RGW tank car history, supported by original car cards and archival records.
The Accident at Waco: What Really Happened? — Robert B. Schaefer
A detailed reconstruction of the Waco incident, clarifying long‑standing questions through primary‑source analysis.
Durango Turntable — Keith M. Williams
A focused look at the Durango turntable’s construction, evolution, and operational role on the narrow gauge.
HOn3 Rio Grande Southern “Galloping Goose” — Charlie V. Mutschler
Modeling notes and prototype context for the RGS motor cars.
D&RGW Pile Driver OB — Jerry B. Day
A photographic and historical study of Pile Driver OB, including 1971–72 images from Chama.

Add this issue to your Prospector archive

Volume 03, Number 1 continues the Society’s early‑2000s editorial style with a balanced mix of historical research, equipment documentation, and modeling content. If you are building a complete Prospector collection, this issue is an essential part of the Volume 03 set and pairs cleanly with the other quarterly releases from 2004.