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Ogden City Press Release October 28, 2025
D&RGW #223 to Be Restored to Operation in Colorado with Landmark Partnership
Ogden City, the 223 Locomotive Foundation, and the Colorado Railroad Museum are excited to announce a plan to restore the Denver & Rio Grande Western #223 to operational status to operate for the public.
One of three surviving C-16 locomotives and the last surviving narrow-gauge Grant-built locomotive, D&RGW C-16 #223 was manufactured in 1881 and served the D&RGW lines in Colorado and New Mexico throughout its working life. After being located in Ogden for over 30 years, ownership of the locomotive was officially transferred to Ogden City in February 2024 from the Utah Historical Society. Since then, city staff have been undergoing vigorous analysis as to the future of the locomotive with the goal of determining the best future for this historic engine.
During this process, Ogden City solicited expert opinions, examined partnership capabilities, and invited public comment. The City hired narrow-gauge locomotive expert John Bush to complete a full inventory of the #223’s component parts over the course of 6 months, which was facilitated with funding from the Narrow Gauge Preservation Foundation connected by board president Jimmy Booth. At the same time, the City solicited written and verbal consultations with over a dozen relevant individuals and organizations; additionally, the City hosted a community townhall meeting and survey. Based on relevant feedback and capabilities, priorities for #223’s envisioned future included a return to operational status with full FRA approval, as well as a focus on operating the engine in its historic homelands in Colorado.
Based on united goals to preserve railroading history and honor this engine, Ogden City has completed negotiations with partner organizations. The 223 Locomotive Foundation will take ownership of D&RGW #223 as a purpose-created 501(c)3 non-profit. They are fundraising for an operational restoration of #223. Once restored, the engine will visit Colorado’s narrow-gauge railroads pulling public excursion trains. Within 10 years of achieving operational status, the D&RGW #223’s permanent home will be at the Colorado Railroad Museum, which hosts operating narrow-gauge tracks in Golden, CO and tours locomotives throughout Colorado.
223 Locomotive Foundation president Jimmy Booth said “After so many years of being a static artifact, we will now be able to move forward in making the #223 a piece of living history to educate current and future generations on how narrow gauge railroading built the communities of the Rockies, along with the development of steam locomotives.”
“We set out to understand and implement the best possible future for this locomotive. I truly believe we’ve accomplished this,” said Hope Eggett, museum administrator for the Museums at Union Station. “With this plan, generations will be able to experience Rocky Mountain railroading, reflecting the priorities and desires of both the narrow-gauge community and the Utah State Railroad Museum.”
The #223 will be returning to Colorado in recognition of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood in 2026, celebrating the role of the railroad in the state’s creation.
“We are deeply grateful to previous stewards of the #223 for preserving this locomotive, especially the Golden Spike Chapter of the National Railway and Locomotive Historical Society,” Eggett said. In recognition for their contributions, members of the Golden Spike Chapter and Ogden City residents will receive discounted fares on future train rides and will be recognized in a plaque on the locomotive.
More about the 223 Locomotive Foundation can be found at 223locomotivefoundation.org.
The founding board of directors includes Jimmy Booth, president, Ray Bjerrum, treasurer, and Jeff Taylor, secretary.
More about the Colorado Railroad Museum can be found at coloradorailroadmuseum.org.
Jimmy & Ray with many helpful Ogden officials