When Is Grand Junction Going to Get Some of These?
Did you see where Manitou Springs, Colorado, is adding three new engines, nine passenger cars, and cog-rail and snow removal systems to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway? There's something comparable I would like to see in Grand Junction. When can we get some of these?
According to The Gazette, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway has ordered three new engines and nine passenger cars from Stadler Bussnang AG, a Switzerland-based manufacturer. The upgraded railway will be tons of fun, and could potentially generate considerable revenue.
Do you remember a few years ago when I posted about the "Speeders" I saw while visiting Coos Bay, Oregon?
So, what is a Speeder? By now you've seen one of these driving down the tracks in Western Colorado. Speeders are those tiny little units you see running down the track, searching for damaged rails and transporting maintenance crews from place to place.
I shot the video above in June 2015 while visiting Coos Bay, Oregon. A club consisting of Speeder owners was passing through town. These enthusiasts look forward to making a trek across the state every year.
So, why don't you buy one of these? Better yet, why don't you buy one for me? From what I understand, they're not hard to find, and on average run about $2,000.00 or so. There's no title involved in the sale. It's just like buying a lawnmower or appliance.
Let's put a wiggle in it, Grand Junction! We've got to keep up with the Joneses. Speeders are awesome. Okay, so they aren't the same thing as a cog railway. That's fine. Grand Junction is a railroad town, after all. I don't understand why everybody around here doesn't have at least two or three of these things.
Let's start a club here in Western Colorado! We can rent time on the rails, and make an exodus from Grand Junction to, oh, let's say Glenwood. It'll be fun.