Crossing the State Line....for the 3rd time in less than a mile
As our D&RG Passenger Extra drifts down the south side of the lava-capped mesa below Whiplash Curve, she crosses into New Mexico at around Milepost 295. In just the past mile of track from MP 295 to 296, the line crosses the Colorado-New Mexico Border no fewer than 3 times as it follows the contours of the land, keeping the grades manageable.
The power today is the recently restored T-12 Class Passenger Locomotive, #168. This engine was built in 1883 and served the D&RG and D&RGW for 55 years before her formal retirement. She then spent another 80 years as a park display in Colorado Springs, before a decision was made in 2016 to bring her back to life as a special excursion engine. Amazingly, after 80 years outdoors, she was actually in pretty good shape. She emerged from her restoration in late 2019, but due to the COVID pandemic, her debut in public service was delayed until 2021.
Crossing the State Line....for the 3rd time in less than a mile
As our D&RG Passenger Extra drifts down the south side of the lava-capped mesa below Whiplash Curve, she crosses into New Mexico at around Milepost 295. In just the past mile of track from MP 295 to 296, the line crosses the Colorado-New Mexico Border no fewer than 3 times as it follows the contours of the land, keeping the grades manageable.
The power today is the recently restored T-12 Class Passenger Locomotive, #168. This engine was built in 1883 and served the D&RG and D&RGW for 55 years before her formal retirement. She then spent another 80 years as a park display in Colorado Springs, before a decision was made in 2016 to bring her back to life as a special excursion engine. Amazingly, after 80 years outdoors, she was actually in pretty good shape. She emerged from her restoration in late 2019, but due to the COVID pandemic, her debut in public service was delayed until 2021.