Customer Reviews

The R.G.S. Story: Over the Bridges - Ridgway to Telluride

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

As is true for all volumes in the RGS Story series (currently up to 8), this book is exceptional. It's a study of the Rio Grande Southern railroad, specifically the portion of the railroad between the northern terminal at Ridgway and the branch line to Telluride, both in southwestern Colorado.

Included are detailed descriptions and photos from the early days of the railroad, including the history, equipment and facilities the RGS created or purchased in the 1890s. There's a lot of detailed photos, drawings and track layouts of the engine and repair facilities at Ridgway, including the variations over the years. Then the books moves up the line, mile by mile, examining the route, bridges, towns, sidings, depots, etc all the way to Vance Junction and into Telluride. Telluride itself isn't covered much (that's Vol 2).

A must for any RGS fan, or anyone interested in the history of this part of the country during the 1890s - 1950s. As with every book in the series, this one includes many hundreds of photos, historical accounts, track plans, building and bridge drawings, and much more.

If you hold this book in your hand, smell the print, feel the weight, you already know it must be special. I have collected all of these Volumes and must say they are pieces of art. Unfortunately some are no longer available and they are hard to find - for example my favourite Vol: 3
If you have any interest in Colorado, Mining, Narrow Gauge Steam Railroading or abandoned sites and railroads these books are a must have. The quality is high, and the balance between photos and text is just right.
Contrary to one of the other reviews I have not had the plastic bonding in my cupboard, although they are stored in the living room in dry conditions.
In the worst case the plastic cover could be removed, it is see through plastic so no information is getting lost.

This publisher produces great book after great book- many are collectible.
However, they all come in a non-archival, clear VINYL jacket. In time the jacket WILL get sticky, and if not discarded in time, WILL damage the book.
My recently acquired Vol.4 is already showing signs of this problem. I have been aware of this for a long time- I can't believe the publisher doesn't know about this by now.

UPDATE- Here is how I cleaned the sticky covers:
Don't use Goo Gone. It won't work and makes the book smell bad. First, I applied Murphy's Oil Soap to the sticky areas repeatedly with a soft cloth. Next, I applied old-fashioned paste wax, avoiding the printed areas and the silvered areas. Finally, a buffing with a soft cloth leaves the spine looking and feeling good.