223 LOCOMOTIVE FOUNDATION
The 223 Locomotive Foundation was established in July 2025 with the dedicated objective of acquiring Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad narrow-gauge locomotive #223 from Ogden City, Utah, for the purpose of restoring the locomotive to operational condition.
The Foundation is incorporated in Colorado as a non-profit charitable organization and has applied to the IRS for a 501(c)(3) exemption determination letter.
MISSION STATEMENT
Restore Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad's C-16 locomotive 223 to both operational and museum-quality based on the end of service life configuration. Ensure the management and maintenance of locomotive 223 for the benefit of future generations, thereby preserving the unique history of Colorado's narrow-gauge railroads. Collaborate with Colorado museums and operational railroads to operate, maintain, and demonstrate the historical significance of the C-16 class locomotive.
Background
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad narrow gauge locomotive #223 is one of only three remaining class C-16 locomotives from the original 84 constructed for the D&RGRR in 1881. Furthermore, #223 is the sole surviving narrow gauge locomotive manufactured by Grant Locomotive Works. The locomotive was retired from service in 1941 and subsequently presented to Salt Lake City, Utah, for use in a parade.
No locomotive class was more instrumental in transporting commerce among mining, agricultural, and ranching communities than the widely utilized Class 60/C-16 locomotive. For more than three decades beginning in the early 1880s, these engines served as the primary workhorses of the D&RGRR.
Ogden City, as the current owner, has spent significant time documenting, collecting information, and meeting with members of the museum and restoration community. The historical record of locomotive #223 is detailed, and research indicates that, apart from its 85 years of being displayed in Utah, its provenance does not correspond with Utah's local history. Given this context and with Colorado’s 150th statehood anniversary approaching in 2026, Ogden City will transfer ownership to the 223 Locomotive Foundation to be returned to Colorado.
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Purpose
The 223 Locomotive Foundation was established to organize and facilitate preservation of Locomotive #223. Plans are underway to return the locomotive to Colorado, where it will be restored to operational condition. The restoration will adhere to the locomotive’s final service configuration as it last operated in Gunnison, Colorado. To align with contemporary operational requirements, Locomotive #223 will be converted to burn oil. This approach will enable the locomotive to reliably showcase its renowned capabilities on museum tracks and at historic narrow-gauge railroad venues.
A significant artifact is set to become part of Colorado’s distinguished railroading heritage.
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Vision
The 223 Locomotive Foundation will engage a restoration facility with the expertise to oversee the complete rebuilding and operational restoration of the locomotive. The planned relocation from Ogden is scheduled for 2026, with an anticipated restoration period of approximately three years. All restoration decisions will be based on the locomotive’s condition at each stage. The #223 Locomotive Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring the highest quality restoration, even if additional fundraising becomes necessary.
Upon receiving FRA certification for #223, the Foundation will enter into agreements with operational railroads such as the Durango & Silverton Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad to arrange charters and special event operations. Additionally, the Foundation will progressively coordinate with the Colorado Railroad Museum, ensuring our efforts are aligned to effectively showcase the historic significance of #223 alongside other notable equipment within Colorado's narrow-gauge railway venues.
The Foundation bylaws include a “Sunset Provision” that ensures #223 will eventually be transferred to the Colorado Railroad Museum.