A D&RGW K-28 locomotive charges southbound across the Rio de las Animas via the 1884-vintage iron truss at Tacoma, Colorado. A total of 10 of these Alco-built "sports models" were constructed for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad back in 1923. They received road numbers from 470 to 479. These locomotives plied the line until World War II, when the US Government became concerned about possible attacks through the Alaskan wilderness. Seven engines were appropriated and sent north support the US Military in the great, white north. Unfortunately, these engines were run hard and not particularly well-cared for. When the war ended and the time came to return them to the D&RGW, the seven were declared run-outs and scrapped. Only the three engines that remained in Colorado survive. Today, two of the three (473 & 478 seen here) are still operational on the Silverton Line by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. A third engine (#476) resides as a static display in the DSNG's museum.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
