Our steam train rounded that first curve and the Silverton station came into view.
Train Two was ready to leave the wye as soon as Train Three arrived. I would be relaxing, enjoying the beauty of nature and the railroad on the return journey and would therefore take less pictures.
Miles down the Animas River Canyon, a look back.
The old railroad truss bridge was no longer is use.
Bob Riskie enjoying the Durango & Silverton Railroad.
The tank car water stop at Needleton.
Passing the Needleton Tank.
Drifting down the grade.
There were rapids in the Animas River.
Our train was rolling down the Animas River Canyon.
A look back at a great sight.
Lines connected to trees are used by zipliners who "zip" from tree-to-tree across the wires. I think I will stick with train riding.
Our train continuing to roll down the canyon.
Passing more rapids in the Animas River.
One of the many crossings of this river; strangely enough, the same number as on the northbound journey!
Making our way onto the "High Line".
The Animas River.
Our train on the "High Line".
We were high above the river.
The "High Line".
Later, the cliffs to the east.
Passing the Hermosa water tank.
Another view looking east.
Rounding a curve as we neared Durango.
Rolling through the United Campground.
The nearer and nearer we get to Durango and soon, we crossed the Animas River for the last time and continued through the town to the station.
Durango and Silverton 98-ton center cab switcher 11 built by General Electric and United States Steel in 1950, which is used to switching trains in the yard. I detrained and walked back to the parlour car.
Interior of "Cinco Animas", ex. Denver and Rio Grande B-2 1917, exx. Denver and Rio Grande B-5 1913, exxx. Denver and Rio Grande outfit car 0452, exxxx. Denver and Rio Grande tourist car, exxxxx. Denver and Rio Grande 452, nee Denver and Rio Grande emigrant sleeping car 103 built in 1883. It was sold in 1954 and moved to Oklahoma. In 1963, the car was purchased by the Cinco Animas Corporation and returned to Colorado, where the vestibule was removed and an open platform with railings was added.
"Cinco Animas" on the rear of our train.
Our train at rest at the Durango station. A special thank you to the Durango & Silverton Railroad for a most excellent trip aboard their railroad. The three of us then visited the Durango Roundhouse Museum.
Durango Roundhouse Museum 7/17/2008Check out a unique tour of the yard and roundhouse! Get the inside story on this train’s 140 year history. This is your chance to see the inner workings of the yard and shops with an experienced guide. Take our one-hour tour of the D&SNG yard, machine shop, roundhouse, car shop, rolling stock and museum with one of our tour guides. Hear the history and see the behind-the-scenes operation of the railroad.
Many interesting displays are found here.
Rio Grande Southern C-17 2-8-0 42 built by Baldwin in 1887 as Denver and Rio Grande Western 420. It was sold to the Rio Grande Southern in 1916, re-numbered 42 and worked until the railroad was dismantled in 1952. In 1953, the engine was sold to the Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa, Colorado. In 1958, it was bought by the Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado, where it was converted to burn oil and operated for a short time. In 1969 it went on display in Monument, Colorado, in front of a bank. In 1971, it returned to Golden as a restaurant display at Heritage Square. Finally in 1983, it was bought by the Durango & Silverton Railroad.
Durango and Silverton K28 2-8-2 476 built by American Locomotive Company in 1923.
Union Pacific car Museum theater prop from the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".
Durango and Silverton flanger OF, nee Denver and Rio Grande Western 4 built by the railroad in 1885.
Durango and Silverton caboose 0500, built by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1886.
A model railroad.
Durango and Silverton B7 "General Palmer" business car, built by Billmeyer & Small in 1880 as Denver and Rio Grande 17. I next went outside.
Trucks and the turntable.
Durango and Silverton 44-ton switcher 1 "Hot Shot" built by General Electric in 1957 and acquired from Arkansas Limestone.
Other railroad equipment.
Looking inside the roundhouse.
The 65' turntable built in 1963 which replaced one from the 1940's.
The roundhouse stalls.
Interior of the Durango Roundhouse with Durango and Silverton K36 2-8-2 482 built by Baldwin in 1925.
Very satisfied from our ride and tour, the three of us returned to the car and the first order of business was to put petrol in it. Next we visited a Rite Aid for some supplies then we drove east on US Highway 160.
Chimney Rock. We continued east across Wolf Creek Pass and down into the San Luis Valley to Alamosa where we checked into the Best Western Alamosa Inn for two nights.
