Good old days - Aug. 27, 2009

8 years ago, August 29, 1884

Thirteen loaded cars is considered the hauling capacity of a good engine on the Colfax grade. The largest train that has yet arrived in the city consisted of that number, and it was “nip and tuck” whether the grade or the “bulgine” would come out on top. Tuesday’s down train, quite a lengthy one, was taken to the summit in sections. The last section had to fly at the grade a second time, owing to an insufficiency of steam during the first attempt. To witness an engine slow down, shake, quiver, and stop on a heavy grade reminds one of the dying gasps of a huge thi...