The Rocky Mountain Railroad Club will merge with the Colorado Railroad Museum in an effort to maintain the enthusiast group’s 87-year legacy. The Rocky Mountain Club was founded in 1938 and, over the years, helped save a number of historic pieces of equipment, including Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 20, which was restored by CRM. The club donated the locomotive to CRM in 2006. 

As part of the merger, the club’s assets and historical archives will be transferred to the museum. Club members will also become members of 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 Club’s invaluable contributions toward preserving Colorado’s rail history will endure through the Museum’s ongoing preservation, publication, live rail excursion and public engagement efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate the rich rail heritage of the Rocky Mountain region.”

The museum will celebrate the contributions of railroad clubs like the Rocky Mountain Club during its annual Colorado Crossings, May 17-18. Rio Grande Southern 20 will be under steam for the event.