FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 17, 2007

ALAMOSA, CO -- Pleased by the attendance of last week’s successful commemorative San Juan ride, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has announced an encore performance of the train this Friday, June 22nd, when the SP 1744 will whisk excited railfans and public passengers alike down to Antonito to rendezvous with the unique and delightful “Galloping Goose” as it rolls through Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad territory.

“It was terrific to see all the people waving at us from their cars on Highway 285 last Wednesday,” says Steve Schott, vice president of business development for the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. “We had such a positive reaction from folks on the train, too, and everyone got pictures of our vintage steam engine, the SP 1744, meeting the Cumbres & Toltec narrow gauge engine at the Antonito station. So we're excited to be doing it again.”

The Rio Grande Southern's Galloping Goose #5 is a Wayne bus body towing a box car, painted silver and lovingly restored by rail enthusiasts in Dolores, Colorado. The “Galloping Geese” series were built to save money on passenger and mail trains during the Great Depression, and helped the RGS remain on the rails for another twenty years before abandoning the lines.

Galloping Goose #5 makes occasional visits to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, however this is the first time the Goose will meet a standard gauge steam engine. Fun and whimisical, the Galloping Geese make for great photo opportunities and fun historic excursions. More information about the Galloping Geese is available online at: http://www.gallopinggoose.org.

The special train will leave Alamosa at 2:15pm Friday for Antonito, and will return to the Alamosa station at about 6pm. Tickets are just $10, and can be booked online at www.alamosatrain.com, or by calling 877-726-RAIL.

Coming in from out of town? Visit www.alamosa.org for more information about where to stay, eat and play in the beautiful San Luis Valley.