Stepping out on the High Line. Denver & Rio Grande Western K-28 #473 leads an early morning Silverton Mixed out onto the famous High Line in Rockwood, Colorado (MP 469.6), not long after alpine sunrise. The train is hauling mixed freight as well as passengers north to the mining mecca in Silverton, some 27 rail miles and a good couple of hours distance.
The train seen here is the 2016 Willow Creek Productions Charter, led by Dave Gross. Dave's charters were always awesome, and he seemed to have incredible luck when it came to weather. Every one of his trips was typically wall-to-wall sun, both days. On this particular trip the consist included DRGW Auxiliary Water Car 0470, which was originally built for the Uinta Railway, and acquired by the D&RGW back in 1940. It has been completely restored by the D&SNGRR and holds 5,200 gallons. It's a great little "canteen" to have on a photo charter, as the photo run-bys tend to use up a lot of water, and this line is pretty remote. If I recall correctly however, we got plenty of run-bys on this trip, yet we never needed to tap into this reserve during the entire operation.
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.
