Huuuuuge thanks to the crew and folks at @DurangoTrain for making these charters possible. So neat to see, and so glad we got to participate!

That whistle is just wooow ^^

There has got to be nothing more beautiful than the sound of a steam locomotive whistle echoing off a mountainside. You youngsters may laugh at the way we, who came of age, in the 70's looked but keep in mind that we saw and heard all the great bands.

Lunkies are very difficult to deny as being some of the best-sounding whistles ever made. I dunno how they did it but they just managed to make a whistle that has some of the fullest and pleasantly harmonious sound from any angle. How did they do that!? I dunno, man, I'd have fun quilling it too.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Colorado has the best steam preservation in the whole of the US. And the Durango & Silverton line is fantastic. It’s been over 20 years since I last got to ride on it, but what was cool was back then number 481 and the rest of the fleet were using ridgeway spark arrestors. What the engineer of 481 told me was “how does a 13 year old kid from Missouri know this?” My response was “I love trains, and I want to know as much as I can about trains.” Anyway fantastic video Mark, you do amazing work and I can’t thank you enough for the great content you make.

Brings back lots of memories behind 476 on my first trip to Durango in 1965. Thanks for sharing this.✌️

13:41 That entire clip was just Beautiful the Ominous, yet Triumphant Whistle Echoing down the Canyon preceding the 481 was certainly my favorite part of it, but that's not to say the sheer power being presented by those chuffs wasn't gorgeous in their own right I can see why you love all things sound related! that was beautiful!

Out east in Pennsylvania the East Broad Top narrow gauge is finally coming back to life. They too have been self efficient right down to a full stock of parts leftover since the railroad first closed in 1956. For all of us rail fans, it's fascinating to see these old narrow gauge steam railroads surviving intact where they were originally intended. Neither of them are pieced together from defunct rail lines. Unique, intact, and original purpose 😃

13:41 is my favorite part of the video. The haunting sound of the whistle sent chills up and down my body. In the words of the great Johnny Cash from the documentary 'Riding the Rails ', "There's nothing that stirs my imagination like the sound of a steam locomotive". That locomotive has a beautiful whistle and sounds even more beautiful in the canyon

This whole video is just constant chills. The sound reminds me so much of the few times 4501 passed my house in north Knox County in the 80's. I remember hearing her and having enough time to ride my bike the mile to the crossing, then still listening to her come long enough that I was worried she was on another line.

You can't beat the sound of a K Type Narrow Guage Locomotive, just absolute music through steam, steel, and iron. This is a masterpiece of a video Hyce, please never stop with the God like Narrow Guage knowledge and videos! Also the sound of a Lunken 3 Chime whistle in the snow in the canyons is orgasmic

In my most recent video which I did over the summer, we double headed straight out of Durango with both K-28s that were running. I couldn't have been happier.

For someone who isn’t that big into railroading like most people here are, the sound of that engine working at 9:21 is something I could listen to all day

colorado generally is a bucket list place for me to go and see someday, but the D&S specifically raises its place on that list a lot.

I love how all these engines are kept perfect and how they used to be in whatever time frame they are… then you come along with almost the exact same train and change out the whistles and feed it human food 🤣

Great Video! The D&S really put on a good show for this photo special. (also glad my snow angel made it into the video!)

I must say, when I watch these videos, I feel all more lucky that I could spend my childhood "working" on the Children's railway, in Budapest. When it's winter, everything's covered with snow, in the middle of the forest, you're out at the switch, in your coat, with the yellow flag, and you're saluting to the class 490 pulling out of the station, and you get covered with steam and soot as it passes by... That is one of those unforgettable moments. I always loved the steam train there. Especially that when you travelled on it, as a ticket inspector, you had to keep the stove in the carriage constantly fed with wood, so it stays warm. It was very much a vibe. Each and every time. And not just with the steam loco.

Love D&S. They sent me tickets as a CRRM employee about a decade ago. It was a wild drive there and we had an awesome ride on the summer train.

as a person who lives in Durango, the D&S has been very special in my lifetime.

Thanks for sharing this, Mark. With all the sense of place, sights and sounds, I think Clint Black said it best: “Ain’t it funny how a melody Can bring back a memory, Take you to another place and time And completely change your state of mind.”

Fact Check: This video is awesome! This is exactly the feeling that most rail nerds have about their home rails, and Colorado by virtue of its mountainous terrain, rugged operating conditions (and the stingy nature of the railroad companies ) allows for running trains as hard and as original as it would have been back when those inside frame behemoths first strode the rails. Thanks for the continued wackiness from the mid-continent.

Spectacular video! Thoroughly enjoyed the commentary and the history of the railroad coupled with the amazing video of the charter and the behind the scenes shenanigans was hilarious. Noticed you used the word “magical” at times to describe it, and indeed it is. Steam in all its forms is magical, and those echos of 481 in the canyons harken me back to those echos of the Shays in the mountains of WV. Bravo! 👏

A guy, that went to my neighboring high school is an engineer for them. Great guy. I get to see him about once a year at Midwest Old Threshers. I think that'd be a fun trip for you to take too Hyce.

15:06, that clip has to be my favorite audio clip of a steam train. It almost sounds heavenly because of the overtones from the echo. Top 3 for sure!

Hi Mark, I struggle to find the words to adequately describe how incredibly wonderful is this video. You and the “Idiots” made my week sharing this beautiful episode. I soooo concur with you that the D&SNGRR as well as the C&TSRR are national treasures for sure. Those along with the superb work at the CRRM make for a historic regional triangle of important RR preservation history. Your engineer friend who made that whistle sing like the goddess Siren was AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. Though I’ve only seen it virtually, the round house and especially the machine shop there are amazing and like stepping back in time. I can just imagine all the smells and sounds experienced when entering such a space. I could go on and on… BTW, Leighton’s outfit was a hoot! You guys are beyond fabulous. So MANY THANKS again Mark for sharing the total fun time with everyone!!! I can’t wait to visit these important places. Cheers to you, Brett and of course Leighton!

One Day, wether it be in 5 or 15 years, Ill go to Colorado and ride one of these charters. Also WOW the sounds are absolutely AWESOME

We all love a Nick appreciation segment 17:01

I love the fact I’m going in and working on all this stuff in like 25 minutes

Seeing steam in person must be a religious experience, even more so with the sound of the engine in the distance, coming closer each second. Even just watching videos on KZfaq sends chills down my spine and makes my skin crawl. The echoing of the sound throughout the canyons just allows the mind to picture a locomotive back in the glory days of steam. No visuals needed. No video playing in your mind or a screen. Just a mental image reel of the old bygone days. The whistle echoing through the canyons and plains in day or night, hauling passengers or freight across vast stretches of open ground or steep grades. Hearing the sound thundering back with reverb just feels right...haunting...in a way. A call from a not-so-distant age. It's hard for me as a history enthusiast to imagine that those glory days ended during some of my families childhood. It's even harder to imagine the whole world running on steam and steel less than a century ago. Atomic energy, solar, oil, electric, all have come and replaced the hardworking steam on the world stage. The locomotives were sent to the cutters torch and many great ones were lost. But I can now, in recent years of getting back into my old railroading hobby I thought I grew out of more than 12 years ago has given me something back. A grand image of steam, giants horses of steel that ruled over the whole United States, and the world. The kings and queens of a bygone age that roamed every inch of rail from San Francisco to New York, the highest points in the Rockies to the plains of the mid-west, and every town and village rails ran through. Maybe, one day, we can get even more of those glory days back. The T1 Trust, East Broad Top, The "Tornado" Group, come to mind. The golden age "ended" less than 80 years ago. I just celebrated my 20th birthday earlier this year, and maybe I can find a calling bringing these steel horses back to their former glory. Maybe not, but us enthusiasts of steam, railroading, and even history should band together and help keep this great story alive. So I humbly extend my support to Mark, Brett, Leighton, and all the others who help keep this story going. I have so much life ahead of me to go out and experience these masterpieces of engineering and hard work in person. Thanks as always Mr. Mark Huber, Mr. Brett Weibold, and Mr. Leighton Moreland for getting me back into this hobby. Always enjoy hearing the stories and seeing other nerds like me having fun in our hobbies. God Bless, and here's a glass to many years to come! RC.

Absolutely wonderful

Awesome video Hyce. I need to make it out to Colorado soon and check out the Durango and Silvertin, Cumbres and Toltec and of course the Colorado Railroad Museum. Your videos have finally made me a narrow gauge man, lol.

The narrow gauge is truly an astonishing part of railroading history and we are truly lucky to have most of the original locomotives from the D&RGW run for almost even 100 years on the line. Only a few of my favorites from the ATSF and UP still run, the rest are either on static display or scrapped all together. So it is truly amazing we get to see these unique forms of trains still running to this day with most of them still in operating condition on the D&S, C&TS, etc. Im just glad these beauties can still run the original route they were assigned to this day.

When you start lol at the thumb nail, you know it’s going to be a good video

Whether you know it or not Huce, The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge does go through some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Western part of Colorado and I, like other railroad enthusiasts recommend taking the train whenever possible. It has never failed me or my love of railroading fun. I may not be a railroad employee at heart, but I sure could be with my fascination of the narrow gauge railroads Colorado has.

eyyy, 473, thats my girl, was a fireman for her for a summer or two. best job ive ever had

You guys had an AWESOME time. I know because you guys were laughing about the entire time. Keep these videos coming.

Any steam locomotives that are still maintained and ran is a marvel to how well engineered they really are, the people who see steam locos as over rated just don’t understand how they turned transportation into what it is today, mad respect to anyone who keeps these magnificent machines alive for as long as they can 😄

Deep in the mountains where Steam Never died, a little Railroad Exists that keeps the steam going, generations after the last locomotives long left the other lines. Though it's not as big as it was in the golden era of steam locomotion, it still runs the last steam engines that were bought for its' lines.

I was never in to trains much until I came across your channel while doing the long process of grinding a carbon fiber rocket motor to size. Then I saw this video. The sounds of these trains in the distance… wow! Especially the sound of the steam whistles. So beautiful! One day I’ll have to come see these plus the ones at the museum.

This is just PURE asmr by far best video I've seen of steam in the snow honestly is making me want to buy the Line In train simulator or play some RR online

I am supremely saddened that I can only like this once. Thank you so much for sharing everything you do with total strangers (and yet somehow familiar nerds and enthusiast). It truly makes my day every time.

Those shots of the train in the canyon were absolutely gorgeous. I’m so jealous of you guys, really wish I could’ve been able to go. Also that 3 chime whistle was absolutely awesome.

OMG Mark this video was awesome really love the way 481 sounds she sounds so amazing! Hope I can get invoiced with this one day soon. Thanks again for the great video man Jeff aka NW611J.

Came for the 'stache, stayed for the whistle recordings.

The shots you got are amazing! Glad you and the guys had a fun time

I'm so glad you guys went in period attire. Me and my mates went in 1950's get up one year for the snow train down here in Australia, just really enjoy that aesthetic of matching the train you're riding.... Mad props..

I'm planning a mountain biking trip to Durango this summer with my non-foamer friends. At least then if I ES&D, I'm doing it in the right place.

Just perfection Hyce!! Love the video and that whistle!!!

Brilliant day out, thanks for taking us along

Love the videos, Mark! Always great audio and views. Getting to see y’all laughing, cracking jokes, and enjoying yourselves are some of the best parts of the experience you never get to see in a lot of videos. Keep up the great work!

Wow the sights and the sounds were just beautiful and magic. You know watching this video made all the troubles of life just go away. Thanks for this video Hyce it made my day.

I gotta say your channel has single handedly re-ignited my love and passion for trains and train history keep up the good work man.

Fantastic video Hyce, The Durango and Silverton is a beautiful railroad with the mountains, the trees, the amazing views, and especially the steam locomotives.

I love that train whistle when you were running in the snow. It makes me, and God knows how many others, very happy to hear that sound!!!!

Wow, just wow, that sound was amazing, engine was great too, thanks for sharing this hyce, I'm a farm boy and my favorite has always been the 8.3l cummins straight piped on the old 80s-90s combines, but the k28 going threw those canyons and the whistle has definitely at least tide it, makes me hope to someday take a trip out to Colorado and experience the real thing and swing by the railroad museum too, keep doing what you do, to keep these wonderful girls of history around and running, so more generations can experience them too

I loved that slip at 4:23. I was in car 212 when we passed you guys at 14:45.

I was not ready for him to pop out of the room lookin light Douge Dimmadome

Well this was an AMAZING video. Thank you for taking us on your journey to hallowed ground for you and for us railfans; and you are right the sound is heavenly, absolutely magical coming off the canyon.

This must be the best video you have ever made!!! we love you mark!!!

This was one of the best videos I’ve seen on the channel. Way to go!

It was a pleasure to see the joy you had in sharing your experience. I am not a steam guy, but I loved this video.

I miss those sounds. I moved away in 2001. But I used to work at the Sonic Drive IN off 8th Ave. And got to hear those whistles every morning.

That looked like yall had the greatest time. Thank yall for keeping history alive, and keeping steam alive with it.

Oh man, this is GORGEOUS! Excellent cinematography, Hyce!!

Thanks for the Great weekend Mark & Co! Great as always to see you all again 😁

My day is now made. The sounds are something else.

Great sentiment in this video and great footage too. I'm in the UK, and I think of NG Rio Grande country as my spiritual home. I'm coming over in July (solo) for a trip largely tracing Rio Grande history from Salt Lake City to Denver, of course riding the D&S and the C&T. I can't wait to be there, and I can't wait to see what videos I produce. Thanks Dude! Simon

As soon as I heard that whistle with the beautiful echo when y'all were getting that photoshoot - I knew I had to save this to my "for the future" playlist - ie, my collection of videos for a hopeful train loving little boy I may have in the future. : )

3:45 hyce "the est piece of narrow gauge scenery out there" rhatian railway"hold my Raclette"

Your channel has easily become my daily dopamine dealer. Thank you for being a place for railfans (of all gauges, but 3ft. in particular) to rally and find fellowship in. I can honestly say it's made working nights just a little bit easier for me. Cheers from the former Southern Railway.

You know your engineer is about to give you the smoothest ride of your life when he starts playing a mf opera on the whistle.

Y'all had fun! Great shots Hyce. I hope to visit there one day.

Okay so, i watched this earlier today and i was already blown away by the audio even with out headphones, but now that im at home and rewatching it, the upmost feral laugh i just had at just listen to that quill is amazing.

I absolutely love this video! Such a good job. I wish I could have been there for it. Looks like so much fun and such a nice environment. And that’s clip of 481 at Tacoma was so good.

Nick Breeden is a good dude! Knew him before he went to Durango when he was volunteering at TVRM. Made a point of hanging out with him both times I’ve been to Durango.

Loved it! This was awesome! (And so were the costumes lol!)

Damn, that shot at 15:10 reminds me of old Great American train rides and Great American scenic railroads DVDs I used to watch as a kid, thanks for the nostalgia! Great shots throughout, loved the sound of the whistle echoing through the canyon, and more shenanigans with the 3/4 idiot crew is always welcome.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE WAY NICK MAKES THE WHISTLE SING

Great video, Thanks ya make me smile!

I love the finger shot in the roundhouse footage. I've gotten a few of those myself!

It's been 30-odd years since I last rode the D&S. The whistle echoing through the valleys & the requisite High Line shot took me back. :D

I would love to have a short video of just the whistle right after hice when through deep snow!!! That is one of the most beautiful things I've herd in my life!!

Ya know, I was never a huge fan of the outside frame locomotives, but because of this channel, they have definitely grown on me! It's one thing to see the photos in the books, it's another to watch a charismatic dude video himself playing guitar on the pilot! lol

26:00 after the locomotive passes, those are some VERY bassy WHOOMP WHOOMP WHOOMP in my ears. Me like 👍🏻

God that sound of the lonesome whistle echoing in the distance is just... religious, the sound is just beautiful. Plus I would love to hear that 3 chime in Railroads Online at some point down the road, that would be amazing lol.

The best train is 4th of July train to Silverton took it many times and you have to sign up early because those tickets go quick. Coming down those canyons in the middle of night after the fireworks show is another experience on its own. Been on D&SN multiple times since child hood.

Awesome video Hyce as always love your content and have for years!! As an Enthusiast from New Jersey, I've had an infatuation with the D&RGW Narrow Gauge and Standard Gauge for as long as I can remember, geez probably close to 10 or more years at the least. My first ever experience with the D&RGW was with the Huckleberry Railroads #464, which in turn made the K-27 my personal favorite Narrow Gauge Mikado type. Another thing I love is that your buddy Nick must've been inspired by Danny Seldemridge over Cass Scenic for his whistle sequences! Those are very good sequences! Regardless I hope they get the #486 running regularly after conversion soon as it's my personal favorite K-36 along with the #487. The 486s D&RGW 5 chime is an instrument and my personal favorite RG 5 that the D&S has, especially wide open.

That whistle in the canyon was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard

The sounds from this video are awesome! Hope to go hear it for myself one day.

Hyce - You friend, the engineer, did not allow the echos to develop. If he was more aware of the incredible NATURAL acoustics, he would have short blasts and let the people listen to the echo return. The Salsburg RR has just a spot where they stop and play with the whistle, but they do it so the each return is clearly heard. I comes from a line of hills likely a mile away from the timing of the echo. It is incredible. This would have been much more spectacular, had this engineer been more sensitive to his surroundings. It isn't always the whistle, It is the hills and valleys, repeating the mournful cry of a machine once supreme on the high iron, the backbone of American industrial might run by a puny human whose hand controlled the power to move a nation. The greatest sound of an engine - the beginning of its journey. The gear in full admittance, the exhaust blast and 200 tons of incredible machinery on the move. Steam power is still king. The iron horse can pull anything. Nice posting, Hyce. Thanks for the show.

Was amazing seeing you guys

Got to say, the sound of those locos working hard in the still winter air is amazing!

some tears just rolled off my face watching this video what a beautiful story what beautiful outfits what a beautiful time ❤️

I would love to catch a steam loco nearby to me sometime, this trip though looked super epic. Being able to climb off and go snap pictures as it passed by etc was freaking epic

Very fun video Hyceman!

I was there in 1977 with my Dad . He had been there in the 40’s when they were filming “Ticket to Tomahawk “. Great memories!

Such a good video, great fun and good job ❤

This is why I love the narrow gauge, I love hearing the sound of a steam engine stomping its way through, especially the narrow gauge. If you haven’t figured out I’m a Colorado native and I learned about the D&RGW back in 2020 and from there I just fell in love. I love seeing the old schemes on the locomotives. From 468 having an older scheme to the infamous bee scheme on my favorite C-16. If I’d knew and was able to go I would’ve and I would’ve looked similar to you guys… whatever a teen boy looked like in the 1970s. This is why I love railroads

What a great video! Keep up the great work.

My dad's very first photo he ever took with a Canon film camera was in fact 476 back in the mid 1990s and we still have the photo framed in my room...