Western Railroad Discussion > Questions about Walsenburg, CO

Whose trains pass through Walsenburg now?  Walsenburg appears to be on the southern end of the Joint Line.  Older maps show the FW&D, ATSF and D&RGW western as far south as Colorado Springs, but only FW&D and D&RGW south to Pueblo.

The D&RGW's line west from Walsenburg to Alamosa is still intact, operated by the San Luis & Rio Grande.  How often do their trains go to Walsenburg?  Which RR do they interchange with at Walsenburg. Locals told me UP, but I could not verify this. 

nformation I found on various websites is very confusing. Need accurate info from railfans!

Many thanks

The only trains in Trinidad are on the old Colorado Southern BNSF and the two Southwest Chiefs on the old Santa Fe BNSF.

Chris



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/20 06:48 by Mudrock.

UP runs a train to Walsenburg to interchange with SLRG and back to Pueblo

I believe the UP Turn runs three days a week and as for BNSF, that route handles mainly Northbound traffic,
was the preferred line for the coal empties. 

Out 

Unless things have changed recently, SLRG can only interchange with UP. Since SLRG was originally a DRGW line, and DRGW is now part of UP, it makes sense it was conveyed with that provision.

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That of course could change with a new owner and an STB filing.

Out 

UP didn't grant rights on last few feet to the joint line, UP allowed them to get cars for storage from the BN i think.

South of Pueblo is C&S and DRGW to Walsenburg. FWD stopped at Texline TX. C&S to Trinidad with DRGW trackage rights.
UP only one allowed to interchange with SLRG. Was three nights a week. However a couple empties were stored a few years ago and BNSF crews were sent in. Big stink ensued. Weren't qualified to shove a train length and no more empties with BNSF crews.
UP main welded rail and C&S still mostly jointed.
Joint Line stopped at Pueblo.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/12/20 15:00 by SD45X.

SD45X Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South of Pueblo is C&S and DRGW to Walsenburg. FWD
> stopped at Texline TX. C&S to Trinidad with DRGW
> trackage rights.

All correct until January 1, 1982. During the year 1982, all former C&S operations between Texline and Denver, including the Joint Line between Pueblo and Denver, were merged into FW&D. All former C&S operations north of Denver were merged into BN. On January 1, 1983 the FW&D was also merged into BN.

Thus if your map was produced in 1982, it would be correct showing the FW&D south of Denver and through Walsenburg.

Posted from iPhone

There was once three lines between Denver and Pueblo. The third line was the Denver and New Orleans. That line and subsequent ownership and trackage rights became the C&S. There is still some grade left in places.

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