Besides the projects illustrated in the photo gallery, the NGPF has also been involved in a number of additional successful measures to assist in the preservation of narrow gauge artifacts and art. Among those:
1. Silverton Northern Caboose. One of our earliest projects was to assist the Silverton Historical Society restore and display an historic narrow gauge caboose in Silverton Colorado, where it can be viewed today. When we were fairly new, we received information that a then-new group was trying to raise funds to restore this historic narrow gauge caboose. Consistent with our practice to this day, we believe in helping new groups if they can prove themselves to be well organized and have the potential to be effective. The Silverton Historical Society met that criteria. Because of our assistance, they were able to raise sufficient funds to restore the caboose. This successful project also gave them the needed confidence to tackle other projects and to this day, they are influential in preserving local history.
2. Tweetsie rolling stock. A few years back we helped restore some historic East Tennessee and Western North Carolina (“Tweetsie”) freight cars by providing funding allowing the local preservation group to buy correct trucks for their restored car bodies. One of our practices is to provide funds for projects or parts of projects where fund-raising would otherwise be difficult. Trucks for rolling stock are one such example. While raising funds to restore rolling stock is traditional and approachable, it can be difficult to raise funds for esoteric reasons such as new brake gear or in this case, new trucks. This is an example of the NGPF assisting in ways traditional non-profit groups would not. We like to make a difference and here the NGPF did.
3. C&TS Communication equipment. This is another example of the NGPF funding crucial but non-traditional preservation projects. Indeed, one of our more unusual projects was to fund the obtaining of needed in-cab communication radios for safe operation of the C&TS’ various excursion trains. The Railroad was having problems raising funds for theses devices absolutely crucial to the safe operation of this historic railroad. The NGPF stepped in to help, insuring continued operation in a safe manner.
4. Notable Narrow Gauge artwork. Over the years, we have amassed a collection of original narrow gauge paintings, from a myriad of famous artists, often having appeared on the dust covers of books on the narrow gauge. These works of art capture a moment in time and a subject worth preserving. One day, we hope to exhibit these works of art in an appropriate forum.
