A little early fall color at Needleton. When you mention fall color on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, everyone pictures golden groves of aspens on the hillsides. In this scene, near Needleton Tank (approx. MP 484.5), we indeed see some brilliant color, but it's just a bit early for the aspens. This time, it is in the vegetation on the ground as DRGW 493 powers past us with a mixed train headed north to Silverton. What looks like a dead tree on the extreme left side of this frame is actually the remains of a old telegraph pole, with the cross-arm long since dissolved into the soil below.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
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.
