Going green. Well known for their highly-publicized efforts to reduce coal smoke emissions in downtown Durango, the D&S recently decided to "go green" in a different way with one of their locomotives and a string of coaches. For Railfest 2010, one RPO car (a concession car in disguise) and three coaches were painted "Pullman Green" to resemble a classic Denver & Rio Grande Western passenger consist. Even their lone operable K-28 had her boiler jacket painted green. That unique trainset is seen here, coasting across the Animas Timber Bridge south of Silverton under a threatening sky. All four of the cars pictured are expected to remain green for several more months. They will be used for the Fall Photo Specials, as well as a couple of private charters that are planned. Here's hoping the D&S folks will elect to leave them that way. Together with collections of cars that are Grande Gold, and Tuscan Red, the D&S will be able to field some very colorful special trains.
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.
