Ogden owns a rare gem, and the city has a decision to make.
Built in 1881, Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive No. 223 represents the most historically significant time period in the railroad’s history. In 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad was expanding in six different directions at once, transforming vast regions of Colorado and Utah. That was the year of explosive growth for the railroad. As historian Robert LeMassena put it, “This was D&RG’s year of glory. Never before, or after, did it lay so much track.”
As a result, it placed the largest order of engines it had ever made. Locomotive No. 223 was a part of this huge, historic order (D&RG engine numbers 200-295). It is one of only three of those engines to still survive.
The coming of the railroad not only meant that getting across the country could now be done in a matter of days instead of six months, it also resulted in freight rates dropping to a fraction of what they had been with wagon transport. This opened up new markets for farming, mining and ranching operations in the West. In the late 1800s, the railroad transformed the West like nothing else has, either before or since.
Locomotive No. 223 is emblematic of this historic time period.
City officials have been in contact with railroad expert John Bush about the project, who has concluded that the engine can be restored to operation. This is by far the best option, rather than just performing a cosmetic restoration.
Locomotive 223 had a long service life — from 1881 to 1941. Over the course of those decades, many of the engine’s original design elements, such as the diamond stack, box headlight, trim on the domes and wooden pilot (cowcatcher) were replaced by more modern parts. Steam engines inevitably became a hodgepodge of parts representing the technology of many different decades.
A restoration could incorporate some of the distinctive design elements that define it as an 1800s engine, such as the diamond stack, box headlight, trim on the domes and wooden pilot.
Naturally, due to safety reasons and practicality, not everything on the engine could or should be backdated to the 1800s — there is no need to take an all-or-nothing approach to the engine’s restoration.
But, to restore it entirely to its appearance at the end of its service life during the 20 the century — with a straight stack, round headlight, plain domes and steel pilot — would also be a mistake. There is no need to go to that extreme, either.
The engine can be restored to operation and incorporate the key, defining engineering elements that distinguish it as an 1800s engine. That would appropriately honor its rarity and antiquity.
The hardworking volunteers of the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society have already made a great deal of progress on this project. For example, they have completely rebuilt the cab of the engine and its tender — also known as the coal car.
While their efforts were shut down a few years ago due to a question regarding the engine’s ownership, that question has now been resolved. It was determined that Ogden owns the engine and, now, Ogden just needs to decide how to proceed on its restoration.
Built in 1881, Locomotive 223 is a rare gem that represents one of the most historically significant time periods in Utah’s history. It’s time to get this engine back on track.
(Photo courtesy of Dana Parker) Dana Parker
Dana Parker is a member of the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the organization.
The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.