The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad used Como, Colorado as a Division point that serviced steam locomotives for the various rail lines that led to and from this location. The roundhouse for locomotive servicing was built in 1881 and served in various forms until the railroad was abandoned in 1938.
It fell into disrepair over the years after having been used for a number of purposes. Eventually the winter snows collapsed the roof and the structure was scheduled to be torn down by the County.
It was purchased by a couple with vision and saved with restoration starting in the 1980's with a handful of volunteers. This group of preservationists has grown to over 200 souls who continue the restoration process.
Now the station, hotel and roundhouse are in various stages of restoration.
It needs to be recognized that the current preservation efforts of the South Park Rail Society would not be possible if it was not for the vision, work and money of a number of people that came before us. People like Bill and Greg Kazel that saved the roundhouse in the 1980s or Chuck and Kathy Brantigan that have invested their own money into maintaining it to this day.
The efforts of David Tomkins also need to be recognized. Together with History Colorado they were able to save the Train depot from collapse and even today, Mr. Tomkins has focused his own resources into restoring and renovating the Como Hotel. Due to his efforts, we can now stay in the same hotel rooms that the passengers of the Colorado & Southern Railway did over a hundred years ago.
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| The 'Armstrong" turntable was incredibly smooth and once moving rotated easily. The kids got it going and rode on it as it turned... |
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| Much track has been laid by volunteers |
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| Stub switches are found throughout |
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| The restored depot/museum is impressive |
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| This is the base for what will become the water tower. One member of the historical society has a chain saw mill and cut the timbers from trees for the base. |
