Galloping Goose Historical Society

till following the design of Geese #3 and 4, the Rio Grande Southern shops built Goose #5 in 1933. She was still based on Pierce-Arrow body and engine. Once #5 was put into service, the railroad could discontinue the last steam-powered passenger trains, so Geese #3, 4 and 5 were in charge of all the passenger service. They also carried mail and express. In 1946, Geese #3, 4 and 5 received new Wayne Bus Co. bodies. Soon after, they exchanged their Pierce-Arrow engines for WWII surplus GMC engines.

In 1950, the already financially troubled Rio Grande Southern lost its mail contract with the U.S. Mail (the mail was then carried by trucks). The volume of express to transport was also dwindling. The rear compartment of Geese #3, 4 and 5, used for freight and mail, was then converted to a passenger area by cutting side windows and adding bus seats. The Geese were converted to excursion service. At that time only were they officially named Galloping Goose by the Rio Grande Southern (the name has been used unofficially for a long time already). Their livery was modified with the mention of the tourist landmarks of the line, and a goose drawing was also painted on their flanks.

After the closure of the railroad in 1952, Goose #5 was bought by the city of Dolores to be displayed with the preserved Rio Grande Southern depot of Dolores. Number 5 was completely rebuilt in 1998 by the Galloping Goose Historical Society in Dolores and is now operational again. She runs regularly on the Cumbres & Toltec and the Durango & Silverton.

Benoit Poulin / Rio Grande Southern