Photo opportunities like this are why I love the Colorado Railroad Museum. You’d think this was a Rio Grande branch line, but it’s actually the museum grounds.

A westbound freight starts its long slow climb to 10,000-foot Cumbres pass on a cold December day. This train had been preceeded by a flanger and spreader train to clear the way.

Another old Anscochrome saved by Photoshop. The headbrakeman takes water prior to the Farmington turn leaving Farmington for Durango. The Farmington tank was notorious for bad water, but apparent... (more)

Out on the line painting whistle posts we see 488 bringing the train back to Chama at Lobo Lodge.

After dropping a cut of cars at Gato, #498 has wyed and is taking water prior to a cab-hop back to Durango.

K-36 #483 is helping to get the Eastbound freight ready to leave Chama, August 29th, 1968 by putting on the caboose while the conductor hangs his marker lamps. This will be the last revenue freigh... (more)

Returning to Durango on the Farmington Branch, Rio Grande #483 has stopped for water at Bondad, just across the New Mexico state line.

Rio Grande K-37 #498 is climbing out of Durango toward Bayfield with what would prove to be the last Eastbound revenue freight.

Working East out of Durango, #492 (K-37) and #484 (K36) are passing thru Bayfield. The crew has found #492 does not have enough sand and the fireman is on top of the boiler pushing what little he ... (more)

#492, on its way to Chama passing the boarded up depot at Ignacio, New Mexico. I am told the depot is pink---actually a very faded red, from a movie using it as part of the set.

The 473 switches an inbound train at the east end of the Durango yard. The boxcars were probably empties that would be spotted at the lumber mill for loading. Note the 473 is equipped with footb... (more)

Simmering outside the Rio Grande's Durango roundhouse, K-36 #483 is ready to take a freight down the Farmington Branch. The roundhouse, once shared with the Rio Grande Southern would burn down som... (more)

#487 crosses the Rio Chama just east of Chama

Mechanical problems with #492 had caused a significant delay and with, the last rays of sunlight, Rio Grand K37 #492 and K36 #484 are stepping along on the newest narrow gauge track on the system.... (more)

Being readied for a trip East to Chama, Rio Grande K-37 #492 is on the turntable in front of the Durango Roundhouse. This roundhouse was later destroyed by fire and #492 awaits restoration by the ... (more)