CBQ Olympus

First thanks to the Board, the acquisition is approved, and we can move forward to getting the car here.

Second, we have known for some time that the car had a bad wheelset, and would require replacement before it could be moved.

Well as of today, the wheelset is acquired!

now we await the axle swap in Madison, and then FRA approval to get it home.

Brakes and air work is already done. with a bit of luck we can get it here at the same time as all the other cars, and make it one big crane and welcoming party

Many many folks have made contributions large and small to help defray the cost of this car, and I am really grateful for the support I have received over the summer towards this project.

Thank you !!!!!

While donations over the summer have covered much of the cost of acquisition, but the jobs not done quite yet. We need to pay for track space and some work once the car gets here. The track charges alone will amount to about $5500, and the sooner we can make a dent it that the better for all parties involved.

Just to make sure everyone understands, the idea of track space is to fund the track department that does all the magic of keeping the railroad operating, and not small task. Ties alone are about $30 each right now, and on two foot centers, that is a lot of ties for a simple project.

The car is about 73 feet long, and the current cost for rail and ties is about $75/foot.

The fund involved is ROLYMPUS, donations can be made online, in person or by phone to the office or by mail.

We hope to get some new pictures of thc car up soon, Mike Baksic is going to inspect the car next week, so perhaps later on i will get the up.

We are still attempting to move toward acquisition on Olympus, with funds coming slowly, but steadily.

for those that are not aware, we have been offered the CBQ Budd built baggage car Olympus

This car was one of two built in 1947 for the Trains of the Gods and Goddesses, when they were reassigned to NZ service.

In addition, when the 1956 Denver Zephyr trainset was built, Olympus was reassigned to that service. So it not only fits with our Goddess train, but also would be appropriate with Silver Ridge as well.

Argo was destroyed in a wreck in the 90s , therefore not only is Olympus a worthy addition to our collection, but it is THE ONLY ONE.

The car has sustained corner damage, which we do not deny; however, it is Budd built (stainless) and dry inside. Baggage doors and one of the two human doors work.

The catch is that we need to be reasonably sure we can afford the cost of acquiring. Estimates are 5-6000 to make it roadworthy, and 23-2500 to transport it from its current location on live UP rail.

photos taken this spring are at

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album237

Donations are still sorely needed and folks that are interested can make donations to the fund ROLYMPUS at the museum.

unfortunately there is no direct donation site on the website, but the office can do it over the phone if you wish, or drop it off in the Streamliner sleeper train any day we are there.