After 143 years of near continuous use of coal-burning power on the Silverton Branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Western, on the 23rd of March 2024. The final regularly scheduled, coal powered train departed Durango on time. From here on out, due to the changing climate and decisions forced by that hand, all steam locomotives are now oil fired.
We caught 481 rolling past one of the few ranches left in the area on that morning.
