The 2024 Joint MPHS – RGM&HS convention held October 10-13 in Pueblo, Colorado, was a remarkable event with eighty-seven attendees from both societies. The convention began with a lively Meet and Greet Welcome Reception, featuring a Street Taco Bar and Cash Bar. Highlights included a special cake celebrating MPHS’s 50th anniversary, a detailed history of the Missouri Pacific Railroad’s expansion into Colorado. Attendees also enjoyed an unforgettable excursion on the Royal Gorge Railroad and a swap meet featuring model trains and other railroad memorabilia. The event provided a perfect opportunity for attendees to mingle, share stories, and celebrate their passion for railroading.
Kevin Love, MPHS President (left) and Jeff Pierce, RGM&HS President pose in front of the MPHS cake celebrating their 50th year.
The event included various presentations on topics such as the transition from steam to diesel engines, post-Civil War railroad expansion, and the strategic importance of Pueblo during the westward expansion. Thomas Stephens delivered a captivating session titled “Steam to Diesel or Where Did the Smoke Go?” Jim Gettis discussed post-Civil War railroad expansion in Colorado, highlighting Union Pacific, Kansas Pacific, and Santa Fe railroads, and noted Kansas Pacific’s acquisition by Union Pacific. Reed Adams detailed Pueblo’s significance during the transcontinental railroad era, emphasizing General Palmer’s Denver and Rio Grande Railway, the Santa Fe Railroad, and the Pueblo Union Depot. Jeff Simley covered the seasonal variations in train lengths and configurations, the strategic placement of helper engines, and the use of Ortner rapid discharge hoppers. David Helsing discussed Jay Gould’s acquisition, the impact of the 1921 Pueblo flood, and the evolution of passenger train services. George Bogatiuk from SoundTraxx introduced the Blue Nami, a bluetooth DCC product where you can run your model train directly, customizable lighting effects, dynamic digital exhaust feature, and the ease of consisting multiple locomotives using the Blue Nami app on your smartphone. On Saturday Robert Hochstetter presented the history from its charter in 1849 to Jay Gould’s acquisition and expansion to the Kansas-Colorado border. Chuck Conway shared a collection of photographs covering various aspects of Rio Grande operations, including Denver and Burnham operations, narrow gauge views, and scrapping operations. Tim Tonge shared their career journey, starting with education at the University of Colorado, roles in Missouri Pacific, and transition to a successful career in computer programming and private weather forecasting.
Jerry Day presenting on Rio Grande’s snow fighting equipment.
After the morning presentations and a break for lunch we held the convention swap meeting which featured Spring Creek Model trains, both the MPHS and the RGM&HS with a half dozen other sellers. Attendee took in the swamp meet then either venturing down the street to the Pueblo Railway Museum where they had a train giving rides to passengers while others ventured to Greg Long’s Montrose Division HO/HOn3 layout open in Pueblo West. Jerry Day discussed the operation and modifications of Jordan spreaders, snow dozers, and snowplows, sharing personal anecdotes and historical photographs. Jeff Simley covered the history, geographical features, and construction challenges of Gore Canyon, sharing individual experiences and photographs.
Jeff Simley answering questions during his presentation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees for joining us at the 2024 Joint MPHS–RGM&HS Convention in Pueblo, Colorado. Your enthusiasm, camaraderie, and contributions made this event truly remarkable. We also express our gratitude to both the Missouri Pacific Historical Society and the Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society for their dedication and collaborative efforts in organizing such an inspiring convention. Together, we celebrated the rich legacy of these iconic railroads, forging connections and creating lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you at future events as we continue to honor and share our passion for railroading history.
