Entering "The Narrows". D&RGW K-27 #463 hauls a special move of MOW equipment eastbound into the Wolf Creek Valley just north of Chama, NM. Known as "The Narrows", the mile and a half section of track just ahead runs in a very tight canyon, well below the level of Highway 17 and mostly out of view of motorists on the road. The train is hauling several pieces of MOW equipment, as well as some well-disguised rider freight cars, all of which were to be used on a charter out of Antonito, Colorado, later in the week. The featured piece in this consist is Derrick OP, a steam-powered wrecking crane that was recently restored by the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec. A few members of the "Friends" organization accompanied the move to Antonito for one of the group's many work sessions. These folks can be seen riding in a gondola toward the back of the train. The D&RGW Boxcar right behind this gon is actually a combination concession and restroom car, which was modified specifically for use on freight charters. It provides some level of comfort for charter patrons and blends nicely into any photo freight.
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.
