If you go up and back you see both sides. D&SNG W0473 and D&RG 3543 on display, Silverton, October 2012. There was a photographer who came around and took everyone's picture- then brought you the picture on the way back for you to purchase. The railroad has a total of nine narrow-gauge steam locomotives (eight of which are operational) and ten narrow-gauge diesel locomotives, six of which were acquired within the last five years, on its current roster. They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. Behind the scenes at the Durango Train. Built in 198788 winter, motorcar 1001 was named Tamarron. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. $$$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Cafe, $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) owns Nos. Enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or dinner in Durango prior to your transportation via van back to Silverton. Hotels near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Restaurants near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. They were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! On April 8, 2021, it was announced that No. No. Ergonomically, the engines are less comfortable than the others as well, with the crew seats being farther back from the backhead and the engineer having to lean forward constantly to adjust the throttle and use the sanders. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, this train offers a unique . The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. They were later dismantled for scrap in 1946. No. No. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. Very friendly staff. Sold to private individual in 2020 for eventual restoration. . In July 2015, the D&SNG and C&TSRR had announced an engine-trade propasal by which locomotive 478 would go to Chama, New Mexico, and, in exchange, the D&SNG would get K-36 class No. The standard class steam Cascade Canyon excursions include a concession car on the train serving light snacks. D&RGW No. As of 2023, of the nine steam locomotives currently owned by the D&SNG, Nos. Firing while the engine is working hard is done with a large "heel" pattern, generally with as little coal on the flue sheet as possible, and gradually sloping the fire bed towards the door sheet to the height or higher than the firedoors. 493 was shifted around a few times on the railroad on display a few times, last ending up in the Silverton yard until May 4, 2016, when #493 was hauled to Durango from Silverton by K-36 #481. And Silverton is a bunch of tourist shops and didn't appeal to us. There are bathrooms available on the train during the two hour trip as well. It was scrapped for parts thereafter; however, some accessories, running and valve gear were salvaged and used on other locomotives. There is an employee that walks around sharing information along the route. It offers views of some of the most scenic areas in the southwest and is one of the last locomotives in . It has room for 11 passengers. K-36 steam locomotive #486 and Diesel engine "Big Al" #7 in Durango on October 25, 2012. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.[3]. Finally, it was bought by Dan Markoff and restored to operating condition. Diesels were first introduced to the Durango Yard in the 1960s with diesel locomotive #50. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, this train offers a unique, affordable, family-friendly travel experience that combines Colorados colorful pioneering and mining histories with unparalleled backcountry beauty. "K-36" and "K-37" class locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition, and these larger classes of engines operated to Silverton for the first time ever following bridge and right-of-way improvements to the line. These engines are outside- frame Mikados, and all drive wheels have counterbalancing outside of the frame, resulting in the utilitarian look the engines are known for. It is on display in the museum. Im going to book for July and I am unsure of which car to book. The train stops a couple times to let off or on hikers which I did not know about. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango CO - Facebook 127 is now used as a movie theater in the museum. The winter train, which is Durango to Cascade and back, is 5.25 hours round trip (this includes an hour at cascade to walk around and have lunch - they even have a covered pavilion with a fireplace). The first 18 miles to Rockwood were completed by late November. 2:45 pm. The D&SNG operates several other coaches: Animas City 323 in Silverton, October 2012. Enjoy the trip we found it wonderful. Placed on display at the D&SNG Museum from 1999 to 2016. His plans were fulfilled with the March 25, 1981, acquisition of the D&RGW's 45-mile (72km) Silverton branch and all of its structures and rolling stock. It is available for charter and can hold up to eight people. In 1886, it was rebuilt as Business Car N. It is reportedly the favorite car of D&RG president William Jackson Palmer. The D&SNG owns four K-36s: Nos. Find the most current Durango train schedule by clicking below. A 12:01p.m. trip for Cascade Canyon ran until October 29. 315 is also stored when it is not visiting another railroad. The 480 series, or "K-36" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for the D&RGW. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962. pp. The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. Downtown Silverton along Greene & Blair Streets boasts of a bold past and is designated as a National Historic District. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. It was used with the Animas Canyon Railway Diesel-powered rail-bus. In the winter of 20062007 it was again rebuilt into an open air observation car with comfortable and large overstuffed seats for a more expansive view. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. Beginning May 7, 1988, a new diesel-hydraulic motorcar and trailer railbus began making trips out of Rockwood, Colorado up the Animas canyon. Heading out of town towards the 4-wheel drive Alpine Loop will take you on an excursion connecting Silverton, Lake City and Ouray through ghost towns and old mining claims. It was $38.75 for the picture and we were going to buy it, but they don't take cash. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions Prior to the war, he had risen within the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as secretary to the president. All Aboard! - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. At the time, American Heritage Railways was headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. The fun doesnt have to stop here, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails in the Uncompahgre and Weminuche Wilderness areas you have access toan abundance of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. Out of the original ten only three 470s remain, and all are owned and operated by the D&SNG. In 1928 and 1930, ten of the C-41s boilers were used to build the Rio Grande's K-37 class of steam locomotive. Votes are . Reservations: (877) 872-4607 or bookonline. 10,15. It is rugged and gorgeous! All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! K-37 steam locomotive #493 on display before its restoration to operation, Silverton, October 2012. Getinformation on upcoming train events, deals on hotels plus insider information about Durango, CO delivered to your inbox weekly. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. In 1938, it was sold to Warner Bros. and was used in many films. #493 ran under its own power for the first time on January 24, 2020, and has been the D&SNG's primary piece of motive power throughout 2020 and 2021. 4 is a Class 8/18 C 4-4-0 locomotive, built in 1875 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. Also, throughout the year there will be Durango train packages that offer special experiences, so check the website! Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. [+ More] 3206 N Main Ave Suite #1, Durango, CO 81301. Maintenance of way train in Silverton on October 25, 2012, Maintenance crane in Silverton on October 25, 2012, Speeder #9002 in Silverton on October 25, 2012. It could seat 32 people and had a 300-horsepower (220kW) six-cylinder Caterpillar engine. The first class Knight Sky car is available May 7 through 20 as well as September 24 through October 29, 2022. The coach indoor was pretty warm on a summer day, the scenery was minimal for the majority of the trip. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Operations for the Animas River Railway were run out of Rockwood. The 40-square-foot (3.7m2) grate surface in the firebox is among the largest built for a narrow-gauge locomotive and is fed by hand-firing. Caboose No. In the Silverton depot are local artifacts. Built in the winter of 19871988, the Rio Grande was originally railbus trailer 1002 and was painted red. I think she could be a stand-up comedian. Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. We were surprised to learn once we boarded the train, that the trip was for 9 hours! The D&S add-on route requires the Train Simulator 2016 game platform, . Gondolas 403405 were built for the 1967 season on The Silverton. I would suggest calling the Rail Line. Motive Power and Equipment Solutions, Inc. Acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions (MP&ES) in 2018 in response to the, Restored to operating condition in 1984. 481 is operational and is the only remaining active coal burner left on the D&SNGs roster. [13] An estimated 54,129 acres (21,905ha) of the San Juan National Forest were burned, with losses estimated at more than $31 million. Always the best part is the scenery. With this effort, "The Painted Train" officially started a new era of tourism that continues to this day. It was finished in ash and seated forty-six. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cinders & Smoke Steam Trains Guide to Durango to Silverton 1977 at the best online prices at eBay! [8] A short time later, the railroad adorned a locomotive and four coaches with a colorful yellow paint scheme and launched modest public promotion. To save it from being scrapped, it was leased by the City of Durango as a display. 632 was built in 1986 and named Teft. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. It also had a baggage compartment and restroom. Palmer and his associates had agreed that the choice of 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge would be well suited to the mountainous country, and relatively less expensive construction costs would enhance the viability of the new railroad. Engine 473 served frequently on the Chili Line that operated between Antonito, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the line was abandoned in 1941. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. The female bus driver was great and talked the whole trip giving us a tour and filling in with great stories of her life in the area and other items. 256, built in 1880, former RGS, purchased in 2022 and currently stored awaiting restoration. Choose from a 9-hour round trip tour, a train/bus combination, or a train & adventure package to fit in as much fun during your trip as possible! Firing can be tricky when the engine is working hard, as the clamshell-style firedoors tend to pull into the backhead of the boiler due to the draft, and if any flues in the boiler are leaking, the loss of draft on the fire is much harder to work around than on the K-36 locomotives. Looking to start your trip in Silverton? The D&SNGRR travels 45.4 miles each way along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton during our summer season May through October. The ceiling of the Prospector features an enlarged route map, making it easy for passengers to follow the train's progress along the route. You dont even have to go on a trip. The Durango Train is a must-do when visiting town. The schedule for the Animas River Railway remained the same. Vestuable ends, train-line steam heat, electric lights, and deluxe Heywood-Wakefield reclining coach seats for 24 passenger were installed. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! Browse different rides & seasonal events. Vallecito Lake A secluded mountain lake 8,000 feet above sea level. But, the best part was that she kept us all engaged and in stitches most of the time. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. also had a six-axle narrow-gauge diesel locomotive (#3000) for trial use in Durango in the 1950s, which saw limited use. Silverton Steam Train Schedule 2022. Schedule and fares are subject to change. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2mi (72.7km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The first railbus trip left at 7:30a.m. on May 7 for Elk Park. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The train was clean and some of the scenery was extremely beautiful. Currently out of service. Free shipping for many products! 486 is undergoing an overhaul and conversion to an oil burner. 483, which had not seen operation in several years. We are on a cross country trip. [citation needed], The observation car on the Silverton route in 1951. This is a 9.25 roudtrip excursion 3 1/2 hours on the train each way with a two-hour layover in Silverton. The seats were padded and comfortable. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! [9], By the 1960s, a modernized D&RGW did not see the Silverton Branch as worthy to maintain and a petition was filed with governmental agencies to abandon it. The steam engine was just refurbished last fall, so it has only been offered for rides starting in 2020. I believe you can go one way to Silverton then purchase a bus ticket back. No. of tractive effort. This journey is a feast for the senses and a treat for anyone who loves history and nature. 119 was built in 1882. In response to the 416 fire, the D&SNG announced their plans to restore #493 publicly and that the locomotive was their first candidate for an oil conversion, with more to come in the future. My husband and I wanted to do a one-way trip on the Durango-Silverton Railroad in June. 476 and 478 saw an extensive service on the San Juan passenger train, which ran between Durango, Colorado and Alamosa, Colorado until 1951. The recreation of the Silver Vista was built in 2006. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. Face coverings were required to be worn by all even in the open air cars. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Yelp I feel as if the DSNG really missed a great opportunity to share some great history. [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". It was restored to operating condition from 1998 to 2007 by the Durango Railroad Historical Society with some assistance from the D&SNG. We felt we wanted to sight see more in Durango rather than spend so much time on the train. For the safety and protection of guests and employees, the D&SNG suspended all operations until at least June 23, 2020. 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, 6-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day, The Cat's Meow Durango Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game. Firing is simpler on these engines compared to the K-28s; however, the larger surface area requires more fuel. We did the morning trip and opted for the diesel locomotive over the steam engine as it was 5 dollars per person cheaper. Since then the DRHS has operated the locomotive occasionally on the D&SNG and on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. Then, in 1982, the Cinco Animas was sold to the D&SNG. It has run on the D&SNG just a handful of times in the past during special events. In July 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande reached Durango and started building the final 45-mile stretch up the Animas River to Silverton. Opened in 1998, the D&SNG Museum is a tribute to railroading nationally and southwest Colorado. Durango & Silverton scenic round-trip train ride in Colorado is a popular trip embarking on a journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. On display are outfit cars, some equipped with kitchen facilities and side-dumped gondolas. Glide along the track past the dense forests, rocky ridges and rushing rivers of the Colorado back country. Silverton. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. Theres no bad time of year for a Durango train ride, this journey offers scenic views for all ages, all throughout the year. After arriving in Denver, he formulated a plan to build a 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge railroad southward from Denver to El Paso, Texas[5] (see Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad). Diesel engine #11 in Silverton on October 25, 2012. It is a legacy that glitters in Silvertons elaborate Victorian-era architecture, reflecting the millions of dollars drawn from the earth during the mining boom of the late 1800s to early 1900s. Bolstered by the assistance of former Rio Grande operating managers and a relatively sizeable staff of new employees, Bradshaw's plans were set in motion immediately. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. The museum is located in the Durango roundhouse. The company is converting a coal train, pictured, to run on oil in order to . 631 was built in 1985 and named the North Star. The Durango Silverton Train system is a narrow gauge railed. Still craving more? Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. For recorded phone information call: 303-639-1111 or instate toll free 877-315-7623. We came to Durango just for the Train Ride. Each locomotive engine has two-wheel pilot truck, eight drive wheels and two wheels trailing truck behind the cab. We were not told this and thought the main road was the first road and had the worst lunch EVER at a place there were there looked like much better places on the tarred road. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Secluded in a mountain valley at an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton came into existence because of the rich treasures that the surrounding mountains hold. The train trip is nice but it follows a river the whole way anth the views do not change a whole lot. *The first class Knight Sky car on the Silverton diesel train is available May 26 through September 19, 2022. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Durango and Silverton - N Scale Ready to Run Electric Train Set. A Durango railroad ride is a fascinating adventure whether you are traveling with your young children, on a romantic trip with your sweetheart or spending time with mom and dad. The "36" stands for 36,200lbf (161.026kN). They watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. To experience a train up close and personal, book a locomotive car ride. The new company Animas River Railway was incorporated by the D&SNG, as an attempt to preserve the integrity of its own claim of "100% coal-fired steam locomotives". No. The museum is open every day the train runs. Was built in 1984 as a coach and was named Hunt. Even more interesting, the D&SNGRR museum is located in one part of the roundhouse, the only one of its kind in the world to house narrow gauge steam locomotives. The engines currently use 6-ET automatic air and the secondary straight air used on regular service equipment. In 1953 the engine was sold to the Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa. Our new Silverton Silverlight Express is your ticket! Being a "Narrow Gauge" railroad means that the rails are only three . The trip took us up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest as we traveled alongside the beautiful Animas River (the town that I hear is used for the opening scenery of the TV show (The Ranch). All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. What hotels are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? We will pass fertile farmlands, old stagecoach roads, the breathtaking Highline, the remote Tacoma Power Plant, old mining camps, and be in the shadow of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, often with year-round snow! The 480s were used for freight-hauling throughout the D&RGW 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge network. The engines were delivered with Master Mechanics-design smokeboxes for draft; however at some point the D&RGW converted them to Andersson (cyclone) front ends. Eventually, the engine went to the Old Vegas amusement park in Henderson, Nevada, where it became badly damaged by a fire. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. [citation needed] To help continue service, motorcar 1001 now RB-1 and trailer 1002 now 313 took people out to Elk Park from Silverton. Trackage between Chama and Durango was removed by 1971. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Built in 1878, the Nomad was originally named Fairplay. It was renumbered 126 in 1886. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad owner Al Harper is pictured at the train depot in Durango on June 21, 2019. 241243, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Register of Historic Places portal, List of heritage railroads in the United States, "DurangoSilverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad", Cutting through Obstacles: The DurangoSilverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, by T.R. In later years it fell into disrepair. We have spent a few weeks in Durango, which is an awesome town with lots of history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. Considering Train from Durango to Silverton and the coach bus option back from Silverton to Durango. The railroad runs 12-car passenger trains behind these engines; however more cars require the train to be double-headed. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. The Interstate Commerce Commission declined to grant the request due to the continued increase in tourist patronage. The Silverton Train Experience - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. All rights reserved. 5 was built with a 1928 Pierce-Arrow limousine body and running gear, and was rebuilt in 1946-47 using a World War II surplus GMC gasoline truck engine and a Wayne Corporation school bus body. It was restored by the Eastern California Museum from 2009 to 2017, with some help from members of the D&S Shop crew. The Yellow Carrot is a high vibration culinary food mecca, eatery and bakery. In 1986 it was put on display at Santa Rita Park. In 1924 it was converted into a parlor-smoker car. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. In March, 1997, Bradshaw sold the D&SNG to First American Railways, Inc., located in Hollywood, Florida. An extension was added to the old roundhouse, a new car shop was built on the site of the original "car barn", and the depot saw extensive repair and internal modifications. 1880s vintage coaches were exquisitely restored and new coaches were added to the roster of rolling stock. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. For 141 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. Be sure to watch for a glimpse of the wildlife that, although often elusive to train travelers, abounds in the area.

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