| Alamosa's Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Welcomes 1901 Steam Engine, Plans Memorial Day Weekend Kick-Off |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 21, 2006 ALAMOSA, CO - Newly re-awakened Rio Grande Scenic Railroad closed the deal Wednesday on a “new” 1901 2-6-0 steam locomotive, the SP 1744, from Rio Grande Pacific. The engine will arrive in Alamosa next month to kick off the railroad's second season, with weekend, holiday and charter service over La Veta Pass beginning Memorial Day weekend. Weekday and non-holiday service will continue to be provided by existing diesel engines. Fully rebuilt in 1999-2000, the engine is a virtually “new” vintage addition to the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's collection. The 1744 spent most of her career in California and saw her heyday in the 1920s, 30s, 40s and the early 50s before being retired from service in Los Angeles in 1956 - though was recommissioned a few years later to make an appearance in the 1959 feature film “This Earth Is Mine” with Rock Hudson. After her restoration, the 1744 ran briefly on the New Orleans & Gulf Coast Railway as “The Big Easy Steam Train”. The 1744’s arrival in Alamosa will be the latest success in an already successful effort this and last year to boost scenic passenger train service in the San Luis Valley. Alamosa will host a three-day celebration over Memorial Day weekend, celebrating the new steam engine, the start of the 2007 season, and a boomtown spirit that's still alive and well throughout our region. Join us as the streets of downtown come alive with exciting wild west shows, live music, immersion in rich railroad history and delicious period dining from chuck wagon dinners to an elegant night of dining-car style dinner and dancing under the stars with the famous 1880s-era Engine 169. Don’t be surprised if Wyatt Earp taps you on the shoulder to help find an outlaw in our midst (and offers you a handsome reward if you do), and don't miss the christening of the new steam engine at the Alamosa depot on Saturday and the daily party trains to more celebrations and activities in La Veta and Antonito. A true wild west ranch experience, complete with real cowboys and horse-drawn wagon rides out to the 3,000-acre T-Bone Ranch on the Conejos River rounds out the long weekend. Reserve your seats early on the inaugural run and throughout the season as space is limited for the new steam-powered weekend and holiday runs. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is now accepting 2007 reservations, and tickets can be purchased by phone at 877-7CO-RAIL, or at www.alamosatrain.com. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad provides daily, round-trip passenger service from Alamosa to La Veta on San Luis Express, and round-trip weekend service from Alamosa to Antonito on the Toltec Gorge Limited. For tickets or more information about the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, call 877-7CO-RAIL or visit www.alamosatrain.com. Joomla! features:
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