Description

Volume 24, Number 1 of the Prospector, our professionally produced and beautifully illustrated quarterly magazine featuring the finest work of historians and other experts on all aspects of Rio Grande Railroad was published in Quarter 4 of 2024 calendar year.

This issue, instead of celebrating new beginnings, it celebrates the end of not only the Rio Grande Zephyr in 1983, but the end of the Rio Grande itself in 1997. Our two authors, Daniel Quiat and Chuck Conway, have documented in text and photographs both of these events.

The Rio Grande Zephyr Part 2 of Daniel Quiat including its history, operations, and the transition period after the California Zephyr ended. The article also discusses the maintenance and refurbishment of the train’s equipment, the challenges faced, and the eventual discontinuation of the Rio Grande Zephyr in 1983. Additionally, it provides information about the preservation of the train’s equipment and the society’s efforts to keep the history alive through publications and events.  Part 1 was in Prospector 22, Number 4

1997-The Last Grande Year In Colorado by Chuck Conway Rio Grande locomotives had their final significant year in Colorado, contrasting with the less reliable Southern Pacific units. New re manufactured locomotives arrived, and operations changed, redistributing D&RGW units. Union Pacific’s 1996 acquisition led to the closure of the Royal Gorge line and rerouted traffic. The iconic GP60s powered the Ski Train, while through traffic declined, leaving only coal and taconite trains by mid-1997. By year’s end, Rio Grande power was concentrated at Helper and Grand Junction, marking the end of an era with the last unit retired in 2008.

This issue will hopefully bring the publishing schedule of the Prospector back on track (pun intended)! This issue is also special to me as it reminds me of our trip on the RGZ for our honeymoon in September of 1981.

This issue includes stunning photographs, detailed modeling tips, and much more. Don’t miss out on this rich collection of stories and insights from the world of Rio Grande railroading.

Dave Lotz, Editor