Second Animas Crossing: The High Bridge. Here's a downstream view of the former D&RGW K-37 Locomotive #493, as she crosses the High Bridge at Tacoma (MP 471.23) northbound, with a Silverton mixed consist. This is the second of seven crossings that she'll make as she winds her way through the Animas Canyon from Durango to Silverton, CO. The 493 is only the second K-37 to ever venture this far north on the Silverton Branch. Until the D&RGW sold the railroad to the newly-formed Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the heaviest locomotives to run this line were the Alco K-28s, sometimes called the "Sports Models." After Charles Bradshaw purchased the operation, some excavation was done on the tighter rock cuts and the bridges along the line were reinforced to deal with the heavier weights of the big K-36s and 37s. A close look at this bridge does reveal bracing wires and other structural members that clearly were not part of the original design.
One sad note....I'm told that the famous leaning pine tree that dominates this scene finally fell into the Animas River in early 2022. This shot just won't be the same in the future.
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.
