RGS Caboose 0575

By 2006 the caboose had deteriorated significantly with the end sills and roofing being the most serious problems and needing immediate attention. There were also a number of other major structural problems. In the Spring of 2006 the Ouray County Historical Society and the Ridgway Railroad Museum have entered into an agreement that will provide for the restoration and interpretation of D&RGW Caboose 0575. Under the terms of the agreement, ownership of 0575 will remain with the Ouray County Historical Society. "The purpose of this agreement is to build on OCHS's philosophy of 'cooperation and community' and to provide for the immediate preservation and restoration of the caboose by the Ridgway Railroad Museum who will take over responsibility for its maintenance," said Tom Hillhouse, President of the Ouray County Historical Society.

On Tuesday May 30, 2006 the caboose was moved from the Ouray Hot Springs Park (Fellin Park) to the Ridgway Railroad Museum site at the corner of CO 62 and US 550 in Ridgway (See Pictures of the Move). The caboose is now displayed along with the Ridgway Railroad Museum's other D&RGW narrow gauge equipment: box car, cattle car, drop bottom gondola and camp/outfit car. D&RGW Caboose 0575 is a uniquely important artifact of the railroad history of Ouray County. The Boards of both OCHS and RRRM unanimously agreed that this agreement will be in the best interest of the caboose and the people of Ouray County. The agreement provided for a prominent plaque acknowledging the financial contributions of The Woman's Club of Ouray, The Massard Foundation and the Citizens of Ouray.