Thar she blows! The crew of a Cumbres & Toltec K-36 executes a lengthy, simultaneous blow-down from both sides of her firebox as she coasts across Lobato Trestle with the daily train from Antonito. The operation to clear the boiler's mudring of minerals and sediment is typically performed several times during the daily runs and is usually done when the locomotive is drifting downhill and steam pressure and water levels are not particularly critical.
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.