Zephyr Stop in Glenwood Springs: Journey from the Past

Zephyr Stop in Glenwood Springs – Mike Danneman’s Journey from the Past…

Our train charter this past February was a great journey back in time. Riding the classic railcars of the California Zephyr really is traveling in style. My friend Mike Danneman, who is an amazing rail photographer, artist and model railroader, came along for part of the westbound ride. Upon our return, he sent me these images that he took from different eras.

Here is the story from my friend Mike:

Before the inaugural run in 1949, Rio Grande took its California Zephyr train set west to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to show off the shiny new passenger train to Western Slope residents. In a black-and-white Rio Grande publicity photo, the Silver Sky is ready for visitors on March 14, 1949.

In one of my photos taken nearly 70 years later, the Silver Solarium strikes a similar pose at the station stop at Glenwood Springs on our journey west. Fun trip!

I enjoyed visiting with many of you on my trip to Grand Junction!

– Mike

Lowell Smith

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon. Read more

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What a trip! We had a great time- exceeded our expectations by a mile. The Silver Lariat was simply stunning. A gem on the rails. The scenery and weather were perfect. The delays were not an issue for us at all. All just a good days work on the railroad! Thank you for all the…

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