400 feet above the Rio de las Animas Perdidas, a Denver & Rio Grande Western mixed train crawls along the man-made cliff that has become known simply as: "The High Line." Led by one of the 3 surviving Alco K-28 Locomotives, the Durango & Silverton's Fall Photo Special re-creates the line's rich history for the cameras on a sunny Sunday afternoon in September. Of note in the consist are the RPO car and two coaches, which have been painted in the D&RGW legacy green with gold lettering since 2010. Alas, the D&S has indicated that 2011 would be the last year that these special cars would appear in this color. Having ridden on several excursions and charters with them, I am one customer who sure hopes they have a change of heart.
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.