We were in southern Colorado this past week and found ourselves in Durango. I will let the pics tell the story.
What was it you saw, other than the trains? Perhaps the golden arches? Which that building design seems almost a bit railroad depot-like?
We made it to Durango just in time to see the 8:45 train depart and then the 9:30 train depart. We then went into their free museum and saw a nice model railroad two engines on display and a couple of cars. Also was able to walk out the back and see the turn table and round house. The museum is in half the round house. Also got pics of inside the working round house. They have two diesels sitting in the yard they use for switching purposes. The McDonald's was interesting that it was right next to the tracks.
Really nice photos! I'm trying to recall heritage on the diesels. At least one was ex-Army. I have a train order somewhere for it.
It was nice to see the inside of The roundhouse. They were working on two engines, one more was out back missing a tender, then the 476 and 42 were on static display in the museum.
Ok, now I am officially jealous ! Hopefully one day we can get down there to see this awesome place, and ride trains! Thanks!!! Really!
The 476 is in, undergoing required maintenance. Jerry in process of writing a book on the 470 series. The 486 just returned to service, since being in shop since Fall, either 2015 or 2014. I'd have to ask on that! Nice shots!!
Last I've heard, it's $175 EACH now days, to ride! Have to check their website though, to confirm, or deny that price. That's the last I recall.
The diesels, from Wiki: Diesels were first introduced to the Durango Yard in the 1960s with diesel locomotive #50. Number 50 is now at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. The United States Transportation Corps. also had a six-axle narrow gauge diesel locomotive (#3000) for trial use in Durango in the 1950s which saw limited use. The D&SNG currently operates four diesel engines. Narrow gauge diesel engines are just as rare as any other narrow gauge equipment. All of the diesel engines of the D&SNG are of center cab style, where the cab straddles the center of the locomotive. Below are the diesel engines currently used by the D&SNG: Hotshot #1 is a 50-ton center cab engine built in 1957, was acquired from Arkansas Limestone Railroad. During the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire, the D&SNG voluntarily shut down steam service. To help continue service Hotshot pulled coaches out along the highline from Rockwood. Currently in service. Big Al #7 is an 87-ton center cab engine built in 1975 and was originally Algoma Steel #7, from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Big Al is named after the owner of the D&S, Allen C. Harper. Diesel engine #9 was acquired in March 2006 and is a 92-ton center cab diesel. In Service Diesel engine #11 was built by U.S. Steel with General Electric parts. It was acquired in March 2006 and is a 98-ton center cab diesel. Currently in service. RB-1 (railbus) was built in 1987-88 winter. Originally numbered 1001 and was named Tamarron. It could seat 32 people, had its own a baggage compartment and restroom, and had a 300-horsepower (220 kW) six-cylinder Caterpillar engine. This unit was intended for use on the Animas River Railway, and when that operation shut down was found being used as a switch engine in the Durango yard. Years later it was put into revenue service during the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire however it is currently not being operated.
Thanks for posting those. One of these days I have to ride that line again. Here is an old shot I took the first time I rode in 1971. It was still Denver & Rio Grande back then.
Now that I recall, it was someone I worked with, at Walmart, that told me this. Shelley and John wanted to ride, after their wedding. Unable to, because of the price! Last time I rode, was a Rocky Mountain RR Club trip, through a friend. Cost me $58 for ticket back then! Was about 1/3 of a paycheck in those days!
