Here comes the Silverton up from the canyon.... After a 45 mile journey, much of it deep in the wilderness of the Animas Canyon, a Silverton Mixed Train emerges from the shadows, crossing the river for the last time on the timber bridge (MP 495.25) just south of the mining town of Silverton, Colorado. With the heavy lifting pretty much done, Alco K-28 Locomotive #473 slows to yard speed for a late afternoon arrival in the middle of downtown, just short of two rail miles ahead.
On this particular trip, our charter leader, Dave Gross elected to spend an entire day running in each direction, enabling more shooting locations and a greater variety of lighting. We'll all be staying in Silverton this night, at the Grand Imperial Hotel, which is owned by the railroad. After dark a few of us will venture out and undertake a DIY night shoot, using our Nikon Strobes, as the train overnights at the Silverton Depot.
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.
