The 2019 Convention – Pueblo, Colorado
The 39th Convention of the Santa Fe Railway Historical and Modeling Society was held July 26 thru 28, 2019 in Pueblo, Colorado. The theme of the convention was “The Chico”. The Convention was held at the newly renovated Pueblo Convention Center in the heart of downtown Pueblo. The Pueblo River Walk with restaurants and shops adjoins the Convention site.
Extra fare activities
Wednesday, July 24, 2019.
The Convention toured the Transportation Technology Center a center for advanced railroad research and testing providing unique facilities for worldwide clientele. The center provides research, testing, and training for technology and safety-related issues for railroads around the world. The center is owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is operated by Transportation Technology Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads. After the TTC, the Convention participants visited Vestas Tower facility located eight miles South of Pueblo is the largest wind tower factory in the world. We also stopped by the Steel Mill Museum for an depth review of the steel mill history and operations.
A Welcoming Fiesta Buffet Dinner was held at the Pueblo Union Depot with a mariachi band and a talk by the local Harvey Girls. Next to the depot is the Pueblo Railway Museum was open and gave engine and caboose rides.
Thursday, July 25, 2019.
In the morning, we traveled to Canyon City to ride the Royal Gorge Railroad. On the return, we stopped at the Holcim (Portland) Cement plant. Layouts were open for tours during the afternoon.
Convention activities, Friday july 26 through sunday july 28, 2019
Friday: Clinics, Vendor Sales, Model/Photo contest. Spouses tour of the Rosemount Museum with luncheon. Special guest evening speaker: Larry Green.
Saturday: Clinics, Vendor Sales, Model/Photo contest and ending with the Society’s Awards dinner. Allan Affeldt, who restored La Posada and is restoring La Castaneda, will speak.
Sunday: Breakfast, Business Meeting, Albuquerque Convention presentation