The Rocky Mountain Railroad Club (RMRRC) will merge with the Colorado Railroad Museum (CRRM) in Golden over the coming months. This partnership aims to preserve the Club’s 87-year legacy in rail preservation, historic excursions and educational outreach, while transitioning its stewardship goals to the Museum.
“This merger will formally end the work of the Rocky Club, but our goal is to nurture the continuation of its spirit,” said Colorado Railroad Museum Executive Director Paul Hammond. “We intend to continue this Colorado railroading institution’s extraordinary work and celebrate its legacy well into the future.”
The merger will facilitate the transfer of RMRRC’s assets, historical archives and financial resources to the CRRM, enhancing the Museum’s exhibits, restoration projects and educational initiatives. The Rocky Club has maintained a close relationship with the Museum since it opened its current location in 1959.
“The merger will also provide RMRRC’s cherished collections with the resources necessary for future preservation, while continuing to engage and inspire rail enthusiasts, young and old,” noted Hammond. Current Club members will become Museum members, receiving regular e-newsletters, print magazines and access to various programming.
The transition will unfold over several months, beginning with the Museum’s planned event to honor Colorado’s rail enthusiast groups during its “Colorado Crossings” weekend on May 17-18, 2025. This event is the Front Range’s largest narrow gauge steam railroading celebration, themed “Fanning the Future.”
Guests will experience daily parades featuring the Museum’s Galloping Geese and the Rio Grande Southern steam locomotive No. 20, along with a recreated train from a 1940s RMRRC excursion. Tours will be available for private car Rico, preserved by the RMRRC, and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy business car No. 96, maintained by another rail enthusiast group.
Founded in 1938, the RMRRC has promoted interest in railroading through special trips, many over long-gone railroads like the RGS. The Club has played a key role in preserving iconic rail vehicles, including RGS steam locomotive No. 20, RGS business car Rico and Denver & Rio Grande Western caboose No. 0578, all exhibited at the Museum.
After the Club’s donation of these vehicles to the Museum in May 2006, locomotive No. 20 underwent a 14-year, $2M+ restoration, allowing it to operate again since its 2020 debut. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain Railroad Historical Foundation, established by the Club, has provided over $52,000 in grants to rail-related nonprofits nationwide.
The Colorado Railroad Museum offers an interactive experience of Colorado’s rail heritage on a 15-acre site featuring nearly 100 locomotives and rail cars, a working roundhouse and exhibitions, providing insights into authentic railroad history through various themed events.
