D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years

[gbrewer]

"D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years" is a photo essay of my first solo encounter with the D&RGW narrow gauge.

There are lots of other stories on RailroadPhotoEssays.com including several narrow gauge. Please consider registering (it is free) to comment or submit.

D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years

[samfp1943]

gbrewer

"D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years" is a photo essay of my first solo encounter with the D&RGW narrow gauge.

There are lots of other stories on RailroadPhotoEssays.com including several narrow gauge. Please consider registering (it is free) to comment or submit.

D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years:

http://www.railroadphotoessays.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1393

copied to activate the link.

Glen B:

           I see your interest in the narrow gauge empire of Colorado. You might find these links to  recent discussions on a continuation of the N.G. empire to the Eastern US and the D&S:

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/164953/1814884.aspx#1814884

and this link to Silverton Northern Reconstruction:

http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/164379/1808957.aspx#1808957

pretty interesting links from this thread.

[CAZEPHYR]

Thanks for sharing those great pictures.  

CZ

[GCWman]

 I am a D&RGW nut, but I do enjoy the "other" narrow gauges too. Thanks for the links.

[samfp1943]

GCWman:

                      You are Welcome!  Also,

                               Glad to have someone from A&M RR territory, and the area of the former M&NA RR as well.

[GCWman]

I appreciate the welcome.  The A&M is not my favorite outfit, I worked there 6 months, the worst company railroad or not that I ever worked for.  They do put on a good show, though.  They have had an ownership change, perhaps things are better on the inside.  I did get to fire for the ES&NA that operates a tiny chunk of the old M&NA. 

Belle Plain I found to be interesting with that short stretch of dormant old MP track to Riverdale.  I had hopes of attempting a tourist line on it at one time.  When did they finally start pulling up the rails?  I am from Garden City & my Sister & family live in Derby.  I wanted a good excuse to return to Kansas.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much,

this is priceless worthy pictures and information presented here, only missing my favourite "Chili"-engine 473 on the pics. 

5 Stars rating from me.

Cheers

lars

[joesap1]

While the article could benefit from some editing of the verbage, the pictures were outstanding! Oh glorious black and white, what a great job you did in capturing the action. 

[gbrewer]

joesap1

While the article could benefit from some editing of the verbage....

 

Please give me a clue as to what you suggest be fixed.

Glen

 

 

[Sunnyland]

Great photo shots.  Friend and I rode the excursion train in 1970 when it was still run by D&RGW.  It was a great trip and one I'll never forget.  We didn't have reservations because we weren't sure what day we would be there. We waited in line outside the Durango station starting at 6 am and were able to get on the second train that left at 9 am. We sat in the open air car and it was exciting to hang out over the "High Line" above the river.  We did have a steam engine pulling the train too.  I had to call my parents that night to tell them all about our great trip.

Thanks for sharing your memories.

[JimValle]

If you want to read a neat book on the Rio Grande Narrow Gauge, try to find a copy of "Little Engines and Big Men" by Lathrop  ( don't remember his first name ).  I read it when I was a kid and have liked the Narrow Gauge ever since.  He was a fireman and engineer back when the whole Narrow Gauge Circle was intact.  His tales of bucking snow and dodging mountain rockslides are the best stuff I've ever found on the subject.  I'd love to find a copy if I could!

[gbrewer]

 I second the recommendation. The book is by Gilbert A. Lathrop, but the stories are mostly of his father Lewis and his uncle. I still have my copy purchased in 1959.

 Glen

[GCWman]

 I would love to find a copy as I read it from our public library in Garden City, KS when I was in High School in the early '70's.  Gilbert came out with a second book called Rio Grande Glory Days about his own adventures on the Grande, working mostly on the Guninison division.  I was able to get one when they were published in 1976 & bought it in Gunnison!

[gbrewer]

 Part II of D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years:

[samfp1943]

gbrewer

 Part II of D&RGW narrow gauge in the twilight years:

Once again, Glen, Thaks for sharing the story and photos. Always interesting! 

[Anonymous]

Sir,

you have made my day, yes, there she is, 473 on a trip. She was involved in 2 accidents during her career, though still good running. These Alcos are called the Sport Models and had more advanced running capabilities than the Baldwin's K-27.

I found the quality of your black/white pix really excellent, you captured many points of interest.

The run through Animas is breathtaking, only the Swiss have something similar to that here in Europe.

Colorado is a nice place, you captured all of it.

 

Thank you very much!

[gbrewer]

Lars,

Thank you very much for the nice comments, and I'm glad that I could fulfill your wish for pictures showing the 473. 

Colorado is indeed a wonderful place for narrow gauge enthusiasts as well as for those who just enjoy the scenic wonders. 

I have several other narrow gauge articles posted at RailroadPhotoEssays.com in case you are interested.

Glen