A meeting of the rails

MONTROSE — Several hundred feet from where narrow gauge railroad tracks once approached Montrose from the east is the site of the Museum of the Mountain West, Inc. — a place where a core of railroading history has developed and where members of the San Juan Model Railroad and Historical Society hope to construct a permanent building for their 1950s period layout.

"Montrose was a hub of railroading," Paul Jones, club vice-president, said. "Narrow gauge met standard gauge tracks here. Not every town had this (distinction)."

Over the past several years, the community has become acquainted with the model railroad club through its sponsorship of the annual Western Colorado Railroad Extravaganza held in October. The club, officially organized in April 1994, was recently awarded non-profit status. There are 14 active members.

"We also set up model train displays in the windows of several Main Street merchants during the holidays," Fred Rogen, club treasurer, said.

After numerous moves over the past 10 years, the club has outgrown its present location in a double wide that once served as a temporary classroom for the school district. Their 20-by-40-foot "HO" layout replicates the historic Denver & Rio Grande line between Montrose and Grand Junction during the 1950s, when both steam and diesel engines operated on the line.

"We need a place where we can have better public exposure and host open houses," said club president Rod Bunyard.

A site is available on the museum grounds in front of the original railroad switch house used at Montrose before the turn of the century. Club members are in the process of researching and drawing up plans for the new facility, which will replicate the Montrose freight depot, circa 1950s.

"The depot has to be historically accurate (to be part of the museum area)," Richard Fike, the museum's executive director, said.

The proposed 30-by-60-foot one-room building would allow for layout expansion as well as displays of railroad artifacts, memorabilia and background diorama scenery.

"We're estimating the cost of construction between $8,000 to $10,000," Rogen said, adding that this is a one-time project. "Once we have the building up, that's it. Our major fundraiser will continue to be the railroad extravaganza."

Contributions of any kind will be greatly appreciated, Rogen said.

Donations can be made to the San Juan Model Railroad and History Society Building Fund, in care of Fred Rogen, 1669 Wetterhorn, Montrose, CO 81401 or through the Museum of the Mountain West, Inc. (specify model railroad building fund), 249-4162.

"This will be a winning situation for both of us," Fike said, explaining that in the event the club is no longer operational, the building and exhibit would become property of the museum.