No. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. The new company Animas River Railway was incorporated by the D&SNG, as an attempt to preserve the integrity of its own claim of "100% coal-fired steam locomotives". Children under the age of 4 not occupying a seat ride for free with the exception of some special events. The D&SNG owns four K-36s: Nos. We left at 9AM and our attendant (Isaac) was very knowledgeable with stories and explaining the scenery. If you go up and back you see both sides. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. You can only buy a certain number of tickets. 483, 484, 487, 488 and 489. We ordered the box lunch and for $15.00 we received a sandwich, bag of chips, cookies, fruit and a bottle of water. It is a legacy that glitters in Silvertons elaborate Victorian-era architecture, reflecting the millions of dollars drawn from the earth during the mining boom of the late 1800s to early 1900s. For others who have traveled with us before, and are familiar with our train and western hospitality, we want to thank you for coming backwere glad to see you again! For the safety and protection of guests and employees, the D&SNG suspended all operations until at least June 23, 2020. On display in the Durango and Silverton RR Museum, engine 42 was one of 6 class-70 2-8-0 locomotives built by Baldwin in 1887 for the D&RG. Depart Silverton. Prospector: January 8 - April 3, April 24 - May 6Red Mountain: March 4 - May 6Cinco Animas: January 8 - January 30Knight Sky: January 1 - April 23Yankee Girl: January 1 - February 27, April 9 - May 6Alamosa: February 5 - May 6. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962. pp. Firing is simpler on these engines compared to the K-28s; however, the larger surface area requires more fuel. Your Guide to the Durango & Silverton Scenic Train Ride in 2021 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 6630, it was rebuilt in 1968 as a baggage car for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . View the Skyway Tour schedule & fares. The only downside was the parking. Getinformation on upcoming train events, deals on hotels plus insider information about Durango, CO delivered to your inbox weekly. The 480s were used for freight-hauling throughout the D&RGW 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge network. No. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. Bachmann Trains - Durango & Silverton Ready To Run Electric Train Set [19] They were built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works[20] of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York in 1923. Once there, you'll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Between Rockwood and Silverton it is a designated wilderness area and there is no motorized access. II, is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #4 is a 55-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #5 is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #7, nicknamed the "Big Al", is an 87-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #9 was first acquired by the D&SNG in March, 2006 and is a 92-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #11, nicknamed the P.B., was built by, Diesel engine #1201 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018, in response to the, Diesel engine #1202 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018 in response to the, Diesel engine #1203 is a type DE75CT diesel built by, In April, 2020, it was announced that four, Concession car 64 was originally D&RG mail-baggage 64 built in 1889. In the 2021 summer season the locomotive has been in helper service for the 15-car Silverton Train, doubleheading from Hermosa to Rockwood, and then from Tank Creek all the way to SIlverton. It was rebuilt by the D&SNG in 1984 with a kitchen, a bathroom and beds. Poem: The Silverton Train. Though there are no longer any operating mines, the mining legacy pervades every aspect of the town, as a visit will show. D&RGW No. All Aboard! - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Browse different rides & seasonal events. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad The Durango Train is a must-do when visiting town. What is the best time to plan your train journey in Durango? The coal fired steam locomotive will be chugging its way down the same track that the miners, settlers and cowboys of the Old West took nearly a century ago. Find the most current Durango train schedule by clicking below. The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. Learn about the fascinating history of the area! Valuation Survey was inventorying the entire railroad property after it was returned to the D&RGW after World War 1. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. Locomotives 473, 476 and 478 operated on many parts of the D&RGW. Scenic through the mountains along Animus River. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango CO - Facebook Listen to the steel wheels sing as you venture alongside the rushing waters of the Animas River and amid the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to beautiful Cascade Canyon or the historic mining town of Silverton. Water is fed to the boiler by two non-lifting injectors. We ended up waiting until others had left to make it easier to turn around. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between Durango & Silverton Colorado CO AO3271 at the best online prices at eBay! There are many ways you can experience the Durango train. Witcher, Civil Engineering, March 2018, "D&RGW System Passenger Timetable - 1-Jun-1952", "Audio Portrait The last Train on the Silverton Branch", "416 Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System", "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Closed Due To 416 Fire", "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad bolsters fleet for dry years", "Is the Durango & Silverton Railroad to blame for the massive 416 fire? The K represents the nickname "Mikado" that describes a locomotive with two non-powered, pivoting wheels in front of eight driving wheels, which are connected to driving rods powered by the engine's pistons and finally two non-powered trailer wheels located under the cab. Engine 473 served frequently on the Chili Line that operated between Antonito, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the line was abandoned in 1941. 119 was built in 1882. Immigrant sleepers had very few amenities and had little consideration for passenger comfort. 482 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. Below are some pieces of 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge equipment that visit the D&SNG railroad. [4] During the late 1970s, the D&RGW was actively trying to sell the Silverton branch and, in 1979, Charles Bradshaw, a Florida citrus grower, offered the railroad a legitimate opportunity to divest itself of the now-isolated route. more. 493 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The 490 series, or "K-37" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were part of a class of thirty standard-gauge class 190 (later, class C-41) 2-8-0 "Consolidation-" type engines built in 1902 for the D&RG by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Due to the COVID-19 reduced capacity requirements, the railroad is currently only offering 2 hour train rides out of Rockwood station that travels an hour to Cascade Canyon (18 miles) and back. It was given number 313, because it resembled the Silver Vista. Or maybe just go to Cascade Canyon and back. I recommend opting for a higher price package if you go as the coach was nothing better than a school bus on tracks. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In the winter of 20072008 it was rebuilt with overstuffed seating for in a wide three across arrangement and had its name changed to San Juan. Was built in 1984 as a coach and was named Hunt. By Molly March 13, 2018. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The D&RG reached Silverton on July 10, 1882. Hear about what it took to build the railroad, interesting facts about the scenery and the historical significance of the area and what life was like in the old days in the Durango and Silverton area. The last train to operate into Durango from the east was on December 6, 1968. This results in the draft being forced through the fire bed in the thinner areas towards the flue sheet, which usually is hindered by the lack of draft between the grates and the arch brick. I feel as if the DSNG really missed a great opportunity to share some great history. Half the roundhouse is used for the steam engines and the other half is for the museum. As of 2023, of the nine steam locomotives currently owned by the D&SNG, Nos. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. We want to see the views from the train, but a 9 hr day and 7 hrs of sitting still does not sound like our "style". 3681 is an ex-D&RGW boxcar. Still craving more? The 470 series, or "K-28" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for freight service along the D&RG. In October 2021, it was temporarily taken out of service for its Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) federally mandated 1,472-day inspection and overhaul, but later returned to service on March 8, 2023. New firemen sometimes have a hard time learning this, because the art of "reading" a fire takes time to learn and the amount of time working on the K-28 class locomotives is much-reduced compared to the railroad's usual K-36 workhorses, which have a larger firebox and are more forgiving in technique. Not even once or twice. Glide along the track past the dense forests, rocky ridges and rushing rivers of the Colorado back country. Air brakes are 6-ET automatic and also feature a straight air secondary braking system for daily passenger trains. All aboard! An extension was added to the old roundhouse, a new car shop was built on the site of the original "car barn", and the depot saw extensive repair and internal modifications. Operations for the Animas River Railway were run out of Rockwood. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. Travel is through some of the most scenic areas in Colorado. It does not matter which side you sit on because the train stops in Cascade Canyon and then turns around back to head back to Rockwood Station so you get to see the scenery on both sides. The current roster goes as follows: The steam-powered locomotives used today on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad were built during the 1920s. The train trip is nice but it follows a river the whole way anth the views do not change a whole lot. 473, 476 and 478 operated on the Silverton Branch from the 1950s through 1980 and are still in service today. Choose between any of the seating options on our 1:45pm or 2:30pm train departure from Silverton combined with a van shuttle service back in the evening departing from the Durango Depot at 7:00pm. Excellent day trip to Silverton or Cascade in original passenger car or open window gondola. Traded to the, Previously nicknamed the "PB-II". This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 10,15. Isaac also sold maps, hats, souvenirs. We normally take the steam engine. During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. We experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. The other seven were requisitioned by the United States Army in 1942 to be used on the White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska during World War II. The engines currently use 6-ET automatic air and the secondary straight air used on regular service equipment. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. My husband and I wanted to do a one-way trip on the Durango-Silverton Railroad in June. It also had a baggage compartment and restroom. The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. What hotels are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? The United States Transportation Corps. No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. We were on the Knight Sky car. When narrow-gauge pieces of equipment come back to life there are very few places in the United States where they can run. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. We were not told this and thought the main road was the first road and had the worst lunch EVER at a place there were there looked like much better places on the tarred road. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Yelp [citation needed] No. 2:45 pm. 498 is stored partially disassembled in. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. Durango Silverton Train - D&SNGRR Steam Train Adventure Votes are . A 12:01p.m. trip for Cascade Canyon ran until October 29. But a huge part o. $$$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Cafe, $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. No. There was a family that got on and off midway at Rockwood Station and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone interested look into that option. It was restored in 2001 at a cost of $250,000 by the D&SNG. Because of its popularity, there has been speculation that the D&RGW destroyed it on purpose to drive revenue down so they could abandon the line from Silverton to Antonito. Included in the sale were former D&RGW locomotives and rolling stock that had not seen service in Durango for many years. This journey is a feast for the senses and a treat for anyone who loves history and nature. 5. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. As the D&SNG works to convert more of its locomotives to oil, No. All rights reserved. The Durango Train Seating Options - Mild to Wild Blog - Mild2WildRafting Hop On The Train. The Durango and Silverton Railroad takes commuters through Colorado's San Juan National Forest. When the snow flies, Silverton turns into a winter wonderland boasting of great snowmobiling, snow shoeing, groomed tracks for cross country and skate skiing, groomed and lift-accessed backcountry skiing,and amazing landscapes! 476 and 478 saw an extensive service on the San Juan passenger train, which ran between Durango, Colorado and Alamosa, Colorado until 1951. Highlights included canyon and creek views, and watching the train travel over a wooden bridge. The train operates on different schedules seasonally and sometimes there are even exciting events taking place on board or in Silverton. In 1971 engine 42 returned to Golden as a restaurant display at Heritage Square. Book your ticket on a historic narration coach and be entertained by tales from historic narrators dressed in period clothing and regaling you with tales from the fascinating and colorful history of the Durango and Silverton area. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cinders & Smoke Steam Trains Guide to Durango to Silverton 1977 at the best online prices at eBay! Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad owner Al Harper is pictured at the train depot in Durango on June 21, 2019. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was originally built in 1881-82 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway's effort to reach the rich mines of the San Juan Mountains.For decades, the line hauled ore from Silverton down to Durango, but after World War II its business shifted to tourism.It continues to be a major tourist attraction in southwest Colorado and has been named both . We decided on the 5 hour Cascade Canyon and I am glad we did. Throughout the year this space is available to rent for your special occasion! The journey behind a historic engine chugging away traveling through the ruggedly beautiful San Juan National Forest while observing awesome mountain vistas is truly a thrill! In 1958 the 42 was sold to Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado, where it was converted to burn fuel oil and operated for a short time. It runs daily throughout the summer. Currently out of service. Cres Fleming makes his way up a portion of a steep hill along the Durango & Silverton Railroad tracks where he says the 416 fire started on July 10,. durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad - durango and silverton narrow gauge railway stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Bachmann HO Scale Durango & Silverton Electric Train Set - eBay Even more interesting, the D&SNGRR museum is located in one part of the roundhouse, the only one of its kind in the world to house narrow gauge steam locomotives. [+ More] 3206 N Main Ave Suite #1, Durango, CO 81301. In the Silverton depot are local artifacts. 486 is undergoing an overhaul and conversion to an oil burner. There is also a movie coach that was used in the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where the railroad's informational and educational films are featured. When leaving we had to turn completely around to leave. Silverton Steam Train Schedule 2022. Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. We did the morning trip and opted for the diesel locomotive over the steam engine as it was 5 dollars per person cheaper. We had a wonderful trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! The locomotives are 470 series Class K28 engines with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement.