Our first society-sponsored book, Rio Grande’s T-12 Locomotives and the Return of the 168 by Jerry Day is a 71-page book published and sold by the society covering the operational history of each of the Rio Grande’s twelve 4-6-0, T-12 passenger locomotives, placed in service in 1883 and 1884 on their narrow-gauge routes. The book specifically covers the restoration and return to service of No. 168 by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
The book includes a folio and dozens of pictures information on engine T-12 engine class derived from newspaper accounts and records. The book also includes a double-sided fold out displaying a painting titled “Cumbres Loop — 1918” showing engine #425 with a work train on the upper part of the loop and engine #168 with a passenger train on the lower part of the both heading in the eastward direction. This painting by J, Craig Thorpe was commissioned by the C&TS, The back pack out the fold out is a color photo of inside the cab of restored #168 with call outs of the appliances and controls.
About the Author Jerry B. Day
Jerry is not sure when his fascination with the Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge began. It was probably influenced by his early childhood when the family lived in Farmington. New Mexico, near the D&RGW depot. His family rode the D&RGWs San Juan Express when they left Farmington in 1945.
He grew up in the little town of Bastrop, Louisiana, where his love of photography and railroads evolved.
Jerry served as a photographer and photography instructor in the US. Air Force for twenty-two years, where his duties took him to Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and twenty-five other countries, and half of the states in America. While serving in the Air Force, he obtained a degree in journalism from the University ot Maryland, and BA and ME degrees from Colorado State University. Following his Air Force career. he held positions in technical journalism and technical training at several high tech corporations, including an eighteen-year career at Hewlett-Packard in Colorado.
Jerry has written books on the D&RGW narrow gauge including NARROW GAUGE PICTORIAL: VOLUME VII Work Equipment-OA to OZ, The Gunnison Train. Rio Grande's Narrow Gauge K-36 Locomotives and will soon be releasing a new book covering the Rio Grande's K-28 locomotives. He has authored over twenty-five articles for railroad magazines including the Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society's flagship publication, The Prospector.
Jerry lives only a few hundred feet from the Durango & Silverton tracks near north of Durango, Colorado. He moved to Durango after his wife of 50 years. Anne, passed away.
