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Cripple Creek & Victor
Narrow Gauge Railroad

"Scenic wonders around every curve"

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Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

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ccvngr_inset1 typewriter he Railroad has always been a family business, now operated and managed by John’s son, Jim and his family. John Birmingham was born into a railroad family, his father was an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad and also his grandfather. In 1965 he purchased two locomotives from the Climax Molybdenum mine of Colorado. They were located in Mexico, one was fully operational the second was 60% through a major overhaul. John spent a lot of spare time and vacations to build the railroad, he had help from his friends and family.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

ccdm_state egyptian he Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad in central Colorado is a slim gauge tourist railway that offers a glimpse into the mining history of the storied Cripple Creek region. Established in 1967, this 24 inch gauge railway operates a short section of track along a route originally laid during Colorado’s gold rush era in the late 1800s, which helped transport people, equipment, and ore across the region. The 2 mile narrow gauge line is built on the right of way of the former standard gauge Midland Terminal Railway, which terminated at Cripple Creek and connected the region to Colorado Springs and several mainline networks. Today, the tourist hauler features vintage steam locomotives and homespun wooden passenger cars, taking visitors on a scenic journey through the remnants of old mining camps and rugged mountain landscapes between Cripple Creek and Victor. Along the 4 mile roundtrip, passengers learn about the area’s mining history and view historical sites, making it a popular attraction that celebrates the legacy of the gold mining boom that once defined the region. Adjacent to the railroad depot is the Cripple Creek District Museum, anchored in the former Midland Terminal union station.

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Click to see the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad plotted on a Google Maps page

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postcard / collection

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1895 Official Guide ad / collection

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1920 Official Guide map / collection

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from Cripple Creek Railroads: A Quick History by Leland Feitz / collection

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postcard / collection

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See also our complete Cripple Creek District Museum scrapbook in Preservation

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Click to see the Bull Hill Station plotted on a Google Maps page

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ccdm32c typewriter he gift shop and ticket office now next to the original Cripple Creek Midland Depot was rescued from the old Midland Terminal line. Originally built in 1894 as the Anaconda station, it was moved to Bull Hill after the fire of 1904 destroyed most of Anaconda. It was moved to its present location in 1968.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Cripple Creek

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postcard / collection

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See also our complete Cripple Creek District Museum scrapbook in Preservation

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May 2023 / RWH

Motive Power

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May 2023 / RWH

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Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge #1

  • builder:Orenstein & Koppel
  • arrangement:0-4-4-0 comp. Mallet
  • built:1902, O&K #2797
  • fuel:soft coal / water
  • notes:
  • 8x10" cylinders, 24" drivers, 150 psi
  • blt in Germany for Guillermo Purcell
    to Compania de Minerales y Metales #1
    to Compania Minera de Penoles #1
    to Cripple Creek & Victor NG #1
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    Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge #2

  • builder:Henschel & Sohn
  • arrangement:0-4-0 well tank + tender
  • built:1948, Henschel #28490
  • fuel:soft coal / water
  • notes:
  • 9x11" cylinders, 24" drivers, 150 psi
  • blt for Hanseatische Kieswerke, Germany
    to various private owners in USA
    to Cripple Creek & Victor NG #2
    Americanized with cab, pilot, tender
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    postcard / collection

    Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge #3

  • builder:H K Porter Company
  • arrangement:0-4-0 side tank
  • built:Jul 1927, Porter #7063
  • fuel:soft coal / water
  • notes:
  • 9x14" cylinders, 30" drivers, 150 psi
  • blt Compania de Minerales y Metales #3
    to Compania Minera de Penoles #3
    to Cia. Metalurgica Mexicana Penoles
    to Cripple Creek & Victor NG #3
  • builder
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    May 2023 / RWH

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    May 2023 / RWH

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    May 2023 / RWH

    Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge #4

  • builder:W.G. Bagnall, England
  • arrangement:0-4-4-0T Meyer Mallet
  • built:1946, Bagnall #2831
  • fuel:soft coal / water
  • notes:
  • 9x14" cylinders, 24" drivers, 165 psi
  • blt for Hulett & Sons, South Africa
    to Darnell Sugar Estates, South Africa
    to Reynolds Brothers Sugar Co #13
    to Western Rails Inc
    to Cripple Creek & Victor NG #4
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    Rolling Stock

    Excursion

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    Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

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    Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

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    Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

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    Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

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    Cripple Creek, Co / May 2023 / RWH

    Publications

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    1971 tourist train guide ad / collection

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    1974 tourist train guide ad / collection

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    1989 tourist train guide ad / collection

    Standard Gauge

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    Dr. Birmingham's Slim Gauge

    image and artwork RWH

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    Links / Sources

    This page was updated on 2024-11-07