09/10/2026
It’s been a while since anything was announced from the Trinidad Railroad Museum. However, just because things have been quiet here from us doesn’t mean nothing has been happening. While we continue to work on our transition our museum to a “Museum without Walls” structure, we have also been working on multiple large projects in the background.
One such project is the inspection of Trinidad’s steam locomotive, the Colorado & Southern #638. This 1906-built locomotive celebrates its 120th birthday this year. However, after being put on display over 63 years ago, the chances of this train experiencing deterioration from years of time, weather, and vandalism are high.
This project, led by vice president Jennifer Kramarz, is the first step in helping achieve long term preservation of the train. Working closely with the City of Trinidad and Trinidad’s Historic Preservation Committee, Jennifer connected with several historic railroad preservation experts from across the state who were willing to come to Trinidad over the Labor Day weekend to perform an inspection on Trinidad’s train. These individuals combed through the entire train, exploring and documenting parts and components both inside and out. They looked at the good, the bad, and everything in between. They even opened up features, such as 638’s smokebox in the front, that haven’t likely been opened since the locomotive was retired in late 1962. There was also time spent cleaning up some of the trash that had accumulated around and inside the train.
The results of this inspection will help determine next steps and recommendations for the train. The Trinidad Railroad Museum will continue to work with the Historic Preservation Committee and City of Trinidad about long term preservation of the train and other possible future opportunities that could be considered.
