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Desert dawn on the D&RG

With a layer of mid-level clouds lighting up in spectacular fashion by the approaching sunrise, a Denver & Rio Grande passenger extra charges west over Ferguson's Trestle at MP 285.87, destined for Durango, Colorado, via the Cumbres Pass route.

 

This 2021 re-creation of a late 19th Century passenger train features a full train-set that was recently restored by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. On the point is the 1883-vintage D&RG T-12 Locomotive #168, a 4-6-0 which was retired in 1938, and spent nearly 80 years as an outdoor display in Colorado Springs. The consist behind her includes RPO Car #65 as well as Coaches 256 and 292, all original D&RG equipment, all three of which date to the late 1800s, and all of which were restored from heavily deteriorated hulks. Going forward, the railroad intends to operate this historically accurate train-set on special excursions out of Antonito, CO, which will typically turn at the line's dining hall in Osier.

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Uploaded on October 6, 2021
Taken on September 27, 2021