-SVRy News: More 2007-

A damp day in June finds the passenger train unloading at the Sumpter depot. Being able to finally pull all the way up to the station has improved operations immensely.

Casey Carlson guides number 19 back down onto her EFD train in the McEwen yards.

Number 1203 basks in the afternoon sunshine as Scott Hutton and crew perform last minute checks before attempting her first test-fire in nearly twenty years. It was a nerve wracking afternoon waiting to see if all our repairs had been done correctly.

The Porter is back in business! The engine turned over straight away, and ran quite well. Minor adjustments and tweaking were still required, but she was once again an operational locomotive instead of a static display.

Even with all the excitement of the Porter returning to service, there was still a focus on the small things. Volunteer Allan Sommarstrom is repainting the boarding ramp at the McEwen station.

D&RGW refrigerator car number 168 was getting some much-needed attention in preparation for the upcoming photo trains.

The Leviathan was getting more attention as well due to the fact that it was scheduled for use on the Christmas Trains in early December. A tall order considering it hadn't operated or even been maintained in nearly 40 years. Ken Carlson is completing repairs to the bullnose roof sections before sealing the entire roof.

The new end beam is ready for instillation on the 100.

One of the last EFD trains of the year is about to cross Highway 7 on its way to Sumpter.

The same train further up the line a few minutes later. This was the typical EFD configuration for much of the summer.

The 168 sports a fresh coat of orange and brown, representing a paint scheme carried early in her Rio Grande career.

New motive power for the Sumpter Valley. Newly arrived from Panama, 50-tonner number 720 basks in the sun after unloading. It is hoped that this locomotive can be returned to service in 2008, and used in back-up service, and possibly weekday operations in the near future.

Make that a pair of 50-tonners. The 720 was purchased by the Sumpter Valley, and the 805 was purchased privately by SVRR member Dan Robirds.

Another view of the newly arrived twins from Panama.

The hardware has been reinstalled on number 100's rebuilt platform. Also note the car end now sports a first coat of deep green.

Work is underway on the new inspection and drop pits in the Backshop. This work is being done on track 2, and will also include a floor in sections 2 and 3.

Another view of the work underway on the Backshop.

Refrigerator car number 168 is ready for service. Originally, plans called for the car to be restored to full Rio Grande lettering, but time constraints forced us to letter it for the Sumpter Valley. At the very least the original number was maintained.

While shuffling the yard in preparation for the photo trains, the car shop was reorganized. The Leviathan ventured out onto the main for a short time, and a quick check revealed that the McEwen loading ramp would have to be cut back slightly to accommodate the former standard gauge car.

Porter number 1203 is about to take her first trip out on the mainline. This first break in run was not just for the benefit of the Porter, but also to take the water car up to Sumpter for the benefit of the steam locomotives the following day.

The Porter cleans the carbon from her system while crewmembers make a quick stop to check bearings and systems a few miles out of McEwen. There were no major problems, and the stack was significantly clearer for the return trip.

The forms are in place and ready for the concrete pour.

The sun is just creeping over the mountains as the first train out is turned on the McEwen wye and prepares to head to the station to pick up passengers and get the 7th Annual Fall Foliage and Photographers Special underway.

The first photo stop of the day is at Hawley Spur. Number 19 has just backed past, and Heisler number 3 waits on the siding.

Number 19 steams towards the photo line during the first run-by of the day.

A short time later, the Mikado is eastbound through the rock cut.

Number 19 lays down some smoke along the Powder River.

Another run-by at the river. This proved to be a very popular photo location, and numerous run-bys were done before everyone was satisfied.

Number 19 leans into the curve beside the Powder River.

Heisler number 3 a few minutes behind the 19 at the same location.

While passengers were treated to a delicious lunch graciously provided by the Friends of the Dredge in Sumpter, the equipment was serviced and the locomotives took on water. Here both trains are parked on the main waiting for the end of the layover.

Number 19 rolls downgrade at the first photo location of the return trip to McEwen.

Heisler number 3 against a backdrop of brilliant autumn colors.

Number 19 performs a second run-by just east of the town of Sumpter.

Number 19 roars past photographers at the Huckleberry Loop crossing.

One of the top locations on the line is the large pond just past Highway 7. Number 3 pauses on the fill to allow for some beautiful reflection shots.

Not a bad backdrop either.