http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=98860&catid=346 SILT - Near the rolling hills of Silt there is a railroad not many have heard of. There is no doubt it exists because its tracks twist and turn right through Dick Maddock's yard. "To me there's nothing that smells better than coal when it's burning," said Maddock. Maddock is the proud owner of not only his own railroad, but a true coal-fired steam engine that he built in 1999. "It operates just like a steam engine down in Durango or Silverton," said Maddock. The main difference is that it's just a little smaller than most others. "It's an eighth scale of a regular steam engine," said Maddock. The train and the 3,000 feet of track are all part of Maddock's super train set made up of the steam engine, two diesel engines, elevated trestles, tunnels, bridges and a handful of handmade cars each weighing hundreds of pounds. All together is puts most train sets to shame, which is how Maddock started out until it outgrew his basement. Today everything is outside and Maddock uses a spade to shovel coal into the steam engine which he rides through his yard. He says it is as close to the real thing as you can get. "This is the next best thing yes," said Maddock. Maddock is happy to spend his steam-filled days chugging and clicking away on his West Slope rails without ever leaving the backyard. "It's the ultimate fun," said Maddock.
I'm diggin' the snowshed! If I didn't know aby better, he could be rounding the horseshoe curve at Yankee Doodle Lake on the final assault on Rollins Pass. Then again, there's not 20 feet fo snow on the ground.
