Old Time Radio Westerns – Episode Summary
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Kahwaygo Canyon | The Lone Ranger (02-18-42)
Release Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a thrilling installment from the classic radio series, The Lone Ranger, titled “Kahwaygo Canyon.” Set during the race to finish a crucial railroad bridge before a fast-approaching deadline, the story pits the Lone Ranger and his trusted companion Tonto against outlaws intent on sabotage. With classic Western drama, undercover schemes, perilous ambushes, and steadfast heroism, the episode captures both the hardship and determination of the old frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

The Main Threat: Bridge Sabotage

• [02:26] The context is set: In order for the Southern and Western Railroad to avoid financial ruin, a key bridge must be completed by October 1st. Outlaw John Kimberly seeks to profit by delaying construction, orchestrating sabotage to claim the railroad for himself.

  • “Kimberly wants to own the Southern and Western. You may try to interfere with the building of your bridge.” – Lone Ranger

• Jim Harold, the chief engineer, is warned by the Lone Ranger of imminent danger, but is confident in his crew:

  • “The men are all right. Nobody’s going to make trouble in our camp.” – Jim Harold

The Saboteurs’ Plot Revealed

• [05:30] Kimberly conspires with Butch Rankin, a criminal hiding under an assumed name within the construction crew, paying him to delay the bridge daily.
  • “I’ll pay $100 for every day the construction job is held up. ... If you do see him [the Lone Ranger], I suggest you shoot to kill.” – Kimberly

Jim Harold Attacked

• [09:30] A pre-dawn ambush leaves Jim Harold critically wounded, sowing distrust among the crew. The Lone Ranger and Tonto narrowly avoid false blame, fleeing the scene before suspicion falls on them.
  • “Father was bandaging the wound. Bullet catch him in shoulder...” – Lone Ranger to Bob Harold

Tension and Misdirection at Camp

• [13:13] As Jim Harold remains unconscious, management of the project falls to his son, Bob, and foreman Jeremy Stewart. They receive a letter delivered by local rancher Sally Martin, attempting to frame her for the shooting—a clear act of subterfuge by the saboteurs.
  • “That note is nothing but a lie. No sooner had Bob and Jeremy ridden away than the Lone Ranger slipped into the cabin.” – Narration

Letters, Ambush, and the Search for Sally

• [17:15] Lone Ranger confronts Butch, recognizing him as the shooter, but Butch escapes after a struggle, triggering a pursuit toward Sally Martin’s Bar M Ranch.

• [21:00] After finding Sally’s ranch ransacked, the protagonists realize she’s been abducted by Butch—who intends to use her as bait in an ambush for the Lone Ranger and his allies.

Confronting the Culprit and Resolution

• [23:00] At Kahwaygo Canyon, a tense standoff sees the Lone Ranger purposely expose himself to draw Butch’s fire. He takes a shot but survives—the group rescues Sally, subdues Butch, and extracts a partial confession.

  • “Butch, you were hired to slow down the building of the bridge, weren’t you?” – Lone Ranger ([24:49])
  • “I didn’t see his face. I met him just three times. It was always at night...” – Butch Rankin

• Tonto is credited with nursing Jim Harold back to health, allowing the bridge project to resume on schedule.

• The episode ends with Kimberly escaping capture, leaving the chase—and the series—open for more adventures.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Sabotage and Greed:

  • “You realize, of course, that no tracks can be laid beyond the canyon and until that bridge has been finished.” – Lone Ranger ([03:34])
  • “Kimberly wants to own the Southern and Western. You may try to interfere with the building of your bridge.” – Lone Ranger ([03:54])

• On Courage and Vigilance:

  • “With Kimberly around, we all have to worry.” – Lone Ranger ([04:33])
  • “I just wanted to warn you, Harold.” – Lone Ranger ([06:20])

• On Deception:

  • “That note is nothing but a lie.” – Bob Harold ([14:45])
  • “Whoever wrote that letter was trying to put the blame on Johnny. I’m glad Bob wasn’t fooled by it.” – Lone Ranger ([22:45])

• Showdown at the Canyon:

  • “I’m going to walk straight toward the rock.” – Lone Ranger ([23:12])
  • Gunfire erupts as the Lone Ranger bravely draws enemy fire, ultimately surviving and helping capture Butch.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:26-04:45] – Lone Ranger’s warning and Jim Harold’s confidence
• [05:30-08:35] – Conspiracy revealed between Kimberly and Butch/“Pete Sawyer”
• [09:30-12:15] – Ambush of Jim Harold and the crew’s suspicion
• [13:13-17:00] – Sally Martin delivers the letter; Lone Ranger investigates
• [17:15-16:20] – Lone Ranger faces off with Butch; Sally abducted
• [21:00-24:49] – Showdown at the canyon; Sally’s rescue
• [24:49-27:20] – Butch is captured and confesses
• [27:21-28:32] – Aftermath; Kimberly escapes

Tone & Style

The episode maintains the suspenseful, principled tone classic to The Lone Ranger—emphasizing loyalty, justice, and resourcefulness amid double-crosses and peril. Sound effects—enhanced by modern restoration—add dramatic flair, from thundering hooves to the tension of gunfights and the vast echo of the canyon.

Final Thoughts

“Kahwaygo Canyon” delivers a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure: secret identities, criminal plots, and moral fortitude, with restored audio breathing new life into vintage storytelling. Listeners are reminded of the ever-present dangers of the Old West, as well as the unflagging spirit of its legends.