D&RGW RPO 122...

Denver & Rio Grande Western RPO number 122 has been moved into the backshop at McEwen for some much needed stabalization and repair. This car was constructed as a baggage car by the Denver & Rio Grande in 1881, and was originally numbered 23. It was heavily rebuilt and upgraded to its current configuration for service on the "Shavano" train, and was later transferred to the "San Juan" when the former was discontinued. Later the car was modified for work train service and was renumbered X122. It was stripped of its passenger trucks which were put under car number 331 for service on the tourist trains of the Silverton Branch. Retired from service it was sold to Don Drawer for use on his private railroad the Sundown & Southern, but it saw only very limited use. It languished in Colorado until it was purchased by the Sumpter Valley Railroad and moved to McEwen in 2001. Current plans call for the car to be rebuilt as a wheelchair accessible loading car with a small limited use restroom being added along with a section for coach seating. The exterior will be rebuilt to reflect the historic appearance of number 122 when it was in service in the 1930s, while the interior will be upgraded, but will still retain much of the original interior siding and other details.

Number 122 in service on the Denver & Rio Grande Western in 1939. When refurbished the car will carry this livery.