Local Caboose Undergoes Restoration

Constructed in 1886 and at 136 years of age, the historic Denver & Rio Grande (D&RG) caboose located at the end of F Street near downtown Salida is scheduled to undergo preservation, restoration, conservation and rehabilitation improvements over the next year.

The caboose was taken out of service in 1950 and given to the City of Salida in 1954. At the time, it was placed in Centennial Park out of context with its surroundings. Since the caboose was never a stationary object, the City moved the caboose in 2014 to the location of the former D&RG train depot, which is now a trailhead for Tenderfoot Mountain and near recreational access to the Arkansas River.

When in operation, the caboose primarily ran the 33-mile one-way route from Salida to Sargent and climbed over Marshall Pass.

A Historic Structure Assessment (HSA) was completed by Scheuber + Darden Architects, LLC in April 2019. The HSA was partially funded by a State Historical Fund of History Colorado grant. The HSA concluded that significant preservation, restoration, conservation and rehabilitation of the exterior and interior of the caboose is necessary.

City Council approved an agreement on December 7, 2021, with Klinke and Lew Restoration Contractors out of Silverton to reconstruct the caboose. They specialize in railroad facility and rail car restoration work. The caboose will be removed from its current location and taken to Silverton for the duration of the restoration project, which is expected to last approximately a year or more. Much of the wood and other components to the caboose have been procured, and some offsite prep work is currently underway.

The cost to restore the caboose will be approximately $175,000 and paid from the City’s Capital Improvement Fund.

The 2019 HSA recommended the following improvements:

• Inspect and restore the underframe and floor framing
• Restore roof framing
• Interior and exterior wall reconstruction
• Update exterior finishes (paint and lettering)
• Reconstruct the end platforms
• Reassemble or replicate original truck parts
• Install replica brake cylinder, piping and hoses
• Replace windows and doors
• Restore walls, ceiling and floor
• Reinstall the pot-bellied stove on display in the museum

Once the restoration project is complete, the caboose will be returned to its current location and reinstated as an interpretive exhibit for visitors to enjoy for many years to come.