Last month, we headed up to Como for the Boreas Pass Railroad Days. Como was the major hub for narrow gauge railroad over the Boreas Pass to Breckenridge. This was a branch line from the railroad that ran from Denver to South Park and beyond. The railroad was dismantled in the late 1930’s. In recent years, various preservation societies have been working to restore some of the railroad infrastructure in Como. Here is Klondike Kate, the one steam locomotive that is housed in Como.
Klondike Kate Engine, Como
Originally, the Roundhouse could house six locomotives. The original structure was built by Italian stone masons; the town got its name from Lake Como in Italy. After years of disuse, the Roundhouse was restored.
Como Railroad Roundhouse
In recent years, the turntable was restored. Here is Klondike Kate being turned on the table.
Klondike Kate On Turntable
Another view of the engine.
Klondike Kate Engine
Another image of the engine on the turntable.
Klondike Kate On Turntable, No 2
One of the attractions in the Roundhouse was a letterpress that had been used in South Park. Here is Tom, inking the press.
Tom, Inking The Letterpress
Here he is setting up a sheet of paper to be printed.
Tom, Setting Up Paper
Later in the morning we headed out to Boreas Pass (along the road that originally carried the railroad track to Breckenridge). After pancakes at Section House, we returned to Como. The Denver Brass Band were scheduled to play in the Roundhouse during the afternoon. During the performance, I found this hat being worn by one of the audience members.
Hat, In Roundhouse, Como
There were two trombone players in the band that I captured in this image. The band members were dressed in period railroad costume. That is the drummer in the background.
Trombone Players, Denver Brass
These two tuba players were enjoying playing their massive horns.
Tuba Players, Denver Brass
Moving around the Roundhouse, I made this image of the two tubas.
Two Tubas In Roundhouse
Towards the end of the band’s performance, I captured this image of the trombone player in action.
Trombone Player, Roundhouse
Soon afterwards we headed back home in the late afternoon after an enjoyable day in Como.