With the blades of the flanger deployed, Work Extra 476 becomes a knife to the fresh powder on this icy February morning. Earlier that morning, before the sun was even near rising, the temperature was 4 below. The train is heading into the Animas Canyon to plow for a train that won't actually end up happening, as another storm would end up dumping feet more of snow in the canyon. The decision was made for passenger safety not to run. But, in the interim, 476 cuts a path with her classic lines of it's D&RGW plow, and the flanger behind widens the path even further, and digs between the rails to clear the flange ways.
Will this scene be repeated again? With the White Pass and Yukon 100's coming online soon in Durango, the days of the steam powered snow bucker may be numbered here in Durango.
