The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Just the name alone conjures up images of snow-capped 12,000-foot mountain peaks, jagged rock formations along sheer granite mantles, and the soothing melodies of the rushing waters of the Animas River, all of which can be seen on this spectacular line, one of the world's greatest train rides. In the fall of 2023, after an absence of 5 years, The Big Banana Railfan finally returned to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, to capture the sheer majesty, emotion and power that only the Rio Grande narrow gauge railroads can provide. The K-class 2-8-2 Mikado locomotives are a sight to behold with their outside frame design and amazing sound. Hearing the whistles echo off the mountainsides sends chills to most, bringing a sense of adventure in a territory of railroads that has a dream-like sense of beauty surrounding it.
The Silverton Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge empire took only a shocking 9 months to construct in 1881-82 between the bustling city of Durango and the mining town of Silverton, along sheer rock cliffs towering high above the raging Animas River 400 feet below. The rich history of the railroad when combined with the breathtaking and grand scenery of the San Juan Mountains keeps people returning year after year to ride this true gem of a railroad.
The big event of our return to Colorado was the Durango & Silverton’s 2023 Fall Photographers Special, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the railroad’s K-28-class locomotives. Built in August of 1923 by the American Locomotive Company of Schenectady, New York, the 470-series locomotives were primarily designed for passenger service on the famed passenger trains of the Denver & Rio Grande Western, including the “Shavano” and the “San Juan Express”. They also did their fair share of freight hauling on the main lines and branch lines of the mighty Rio Grande, and were dubbed “Sport Models” by the engine crews, due to their smooth riding and low-leveling design. Of the ten that were built, the Durango & Silverton rosters the three surviving locomotives, #'s 473, 476 and 478, that continued to haul tourists from Durango to Silverton, CO, even after freight service on the Rio Grande ended in 1968.
With such a significant milestone for the locomotives, the D&S put together a legendary 2-day event that had never been seen before on the railroad, and was a sight that had not been seen on the Silverton Branch since the 1950s. On the first day, locomotive #473 led a 14-car mixed freight and passenger train from Durango to Silverton, with sister engine #476 acting as a mid-train helper, a sight commonly seen on the steep grades of Cumbres Pass, but even in the steam days was a rarity on the Silverton Branch!
After an overnight stay in Silverton, the next day found the consist split, with #476 leading a freight train, and #473 on a passenger train. On both days, some grandiose photo locations were in store, offering perfect views of the train with the golden aspen-dotted San Juans, and the clear waters of the Animas River as a stunning backdrop, capping off with more mid-train helper runbys on the world-famous “High Line”! As a grand finale to the days’ events, #473 & #476 were staged at the Durango Depot with sister #478, which had sat idle since 2016, but will now be rebuilt with a return to service estimated within the next two years!
K-37 #493 also made several appearances on the regularly scheduled passenger train. Rebuilt by the D&RGW's Burnham Shops in 1928 and 1930 from standard gauge C-41-class 2-8-0s, the K-37s were the largest and most powerful locomotives on the narrow gauge. #493 hauled some of the very last revenue freights on the Rio Grande in the summer of 1968, before being retired and was later acquired by the Durango & Silverton in early 1981. She was restored to service in 2020 and was the first oil-burning steam locomotive to run on the D&S.
A grand time was had at this legendary celebration of the K-28's Centennial, and much thanks goes out to the entire D&S staff for all their hard work and dedication to make this event happen!
Enjoy!