The last coal-fired train departed Durango in March and soon after, K-36 class 481 was separated from its tender and placed on display in the DSNG museum pending an oil conversion. What was not foreseen was Hollywood's need for a coal-burning locomotive. This week the 481 was reunited with its tender and fired up to aid Kevin Costner in shooting his "Horizon: An American Saga" film.
Although remaining static, the 481 was able to lend the filmmakers a hand in getting footage of coal scoops entering the firebox. Unlike its last run, this event occurred unceremoniously and hidden from the public eye. However, you will soon be able to see the last Durango coal scoops on the big screen as Horizon releases later in the year.