FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, May 09, 2007

ALAMOSA, CO - Press, train enthusiasts and members of the community gathered for most of the day Wednesday at the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad railyard at 6th and State in Alamosa to watch the SP 1744 as it was safely unloaded from rig-to-rails. The engine, a vintage, turn-of-the-century steam locomotive with a colorful past, now begins a three-week-long makeover to ready it for service on Memorial Day weekend, the kickoff to the railroad's 2007 season.

The fully restored steam engine is the latest addition to newly re-awakened Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operations, and will be put to service pulling passenger cars over scenic La Veta pass weekends and holidays beginning Memorial Day weekend and through the end of the season in mid-October. Weekday and non-holiday service will continue to be provided by existing diesel engines.

The deal was closed in March on a “new” 1901 2-6-0 steam locomotive, the SP 1744, from Rio Grande Pacific. Fully rebuilt in 1999-2000, the vintage engine is now virtually new. The SP 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 SP 1744 ran briefly on the New Orleans & Gulf Coast Railway as “The Big Easy Steam Train”. Her arrival in Alamosa will be the latest in an already success-filled 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 the region. Weekend activities include christening of the new engine at the Alamosa depot, a rodeo, games and contests, train rides each day to La Veta and Antonito, a wild west ranch experience at the 3,000-acre T-Bone Ranch and more. On Monday, Memorial Day observances and activities are scheduled throughout the valley to honor those who served and gave their lives to protect our country.

Reservations are now open online at www.alamosatrain.com or by calling 877-7CO-RAIL. Seats are filling up fast, so reserve yours early to guarantee a spot on the inaugural run and throughout the season.