DRRHSlogo2015

REEFER 54

In the spring of 2015 we purchased two D&RGW refrigerator (reefer) car bodies in relatively sound condition because they were on blocks and under a building roof. We decided to restore Reefer 39 and to use the body of Reefer 54 for use as storage unit next to the Silverton Northern (SN) Engine House between it and our SN track west of the D&S Shenandoah Loop.

D&RGW Reefer 54 being loaded up for a trip to its new home in Silverton.
D&RGW Reefer 54 being loaded up for a trip to its new home in Silverton.

First, we had to prepare a path and resting location for the reefer body on the easterly side of the engine house. Many volunteers helped remove many piles of rail and track materials. Bill Alsup of Silverton brought his 20-ton crane to move heavy mining artifacts. Gene Lincoln brought his tractor from Delta to remove a fence post after the fence was cut and to move many smaller but still heavy rail frogs and guard rails. We hired a local contractor to build a short driveway ramp from 8th Street to ground level along the engine house.,/span>,/p>

With the tight space beside the engine house and the limited reach of Alsup’s crane for the 7-ton reefer body, we had lift the body off the trailer and place it short of its permanent location. We placed it on thick planks laid across the tops of a pair of 75# rails so we could slide it forward its permanent location. It will this rest on permanent ties near the front of the engine house. We plan to complete this move in early June 2016.,/span>,/p>

150928?-get rails for Reefer 54-c

September 2015. Jerry Hoffer and Ron Schlueter chain a rail to Jerry’s Jeep to drag it to the reefer location.    Judy Schleuter

150930-lift up Reefer 54-c

September 30, 2015. Bill Alsup lifts reefer body off trailer after Nipper Alsup and Dave Taylor position straps and spreader bars.      Judy Schleuter

150930-timber under Reefer 54-A-c

Jerry Hoffer and George Niederauer slide planks across the rails.   Judy Schleuter

D&RGW Freight Cars

Durango Railroad Historical Society is comprised of a dedicated group of individuals who are united by their interest in narrow gauge railroading and focus on the preservation of southwest Colorado’s railroad history.

The Durango Railroad Historical Society is a non-profit corporation in Colorado and is a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.