Engine 169 is one of the few locomotives of her era that can be restored to full operating condition. The Friends of the 169 have undertaken the painstaking work necessary to bring this grand old lady, and Business Car B-1 back to life, so railroad enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy her for many years to come.
This post details our progress. Interested in joining us on a project day or as a member of the Friends? Check out our membership page for more details!
Preservation accomplished to date:
1999: Friends of the 169 formally organized in Colorado.
1999: Scope of work grant awarded by the Colorado Historical Society to complete a full mechanical assessment of the locomotive, tender, and Business Car B-1.
August 9, 2000: Locomotive 169 and the B-1 are placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
September 16, 2000: 501(c)3 status awarded to the Friends.
March 2001: Colorado Department of Transportation grant awarded for pavilion construction in Cole Park.
September 16, 2000: 501(c)3 status awarded to the Friends.
March 2001: Colorado Department of Transportation grant awarded for pavilion construction in Cole Park.
August 17, 2002: Boiler calculations finished; boiler can be re-certified upon completion of four repairs, allowing the 169 to return to operation.
December 2, 2002: Dedication of Train Pavilion in Cole Park, Alamosa, CO.
January 7, 2003: Tender removed from site to begin historical restoration to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) operating standards. Business Car B-1 moved to the pavilion.
January 2003: Artist John Coker commissioned to create original watercolor and numbered 169 prints.
August 6, 2003: Grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund awarded to restore the 169’s tender.
September 14, 2004: The restored tender and Locomotive 169 moved into the pavilion.
October 2005: Contract signed to restore the 1922 pilot for reinstallation on the locomotive.
May 14-18, 2012: Volunteer Week #1 at the Cole Park pavilion.
June 11-15, 2012: Volunteer Week #2 at the Cole Park pavilion.
May, 2013: Task Hazard Analysis of volunteer work implemented.
May, 2013: Donation of fire extinguishers made by McCarthy Building Companies.
July, 2013: Lettering of the tender and cab
November 18, 2013: Risk Management and Safety Plan implemented.
2014: Favorable assessment of restoration plan and of the equipment by Stan Garner, expert in restorations and use of rail equipment in Hollywood movies
October 2014: meeting with John Bush of the C&TSRR to discuss restoration of 169 and our sequence of work
Ongoing work in 2014-2015:
- Painting of the B-1 and general upkeep
- Cab rebuild continues with new floor and windows
- Continue 169 fund raising projects
2017: Our next big project involves restoring the heart of the 169… the boiler. We are currently raising funds and resources so that this step can be completed.