The first railbus trip left at 7:30a.m. on May 7 for Elk Park. Riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in THE DURANGO AND SILVERTON ADD-ON ROUTE NOW FOR TRAIN SIMULATOR 2016. . On display are outfit cars, some equipped with kitchen facilities and side-dumped gondolas. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. Some of the cars are the oldest passenger cars in existence. Durango Train Tickets & Reservations - Durango, Colorado D&S Train Simulator - Durango Railroad Historical Society In 1957 it was converted for coach service. The Durango Train is a must-do when visiting town. 486 is undergoing an overhaul and conversion to an oil burner. We really enjoyed the River at the Cascade Canyon stop where we packed a lunch. The Durango yard facilities also saw dramatic improvements. The workforce grew with the railroad, and Durango's tourist image expanded as new businesses and revamping of the old railroad town continued to take shape. 5 was built with a 1928 Pierce-Arrow limousine body and running gear, and was rebuilt in 1946-47 using a World War II surplus GMC gasoline truck engine and a Wayne Corporation school bus body. Despite popular belief that the railroad does not doublehead trains out of Durango because of smoke, the real reason is the weight restriction on the bridge at 15th Street, not allowing more than one K-36 at a time (K-28 class engines, however, are still doubleheaded from Durango). The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. The Silverton branch, as it became known, struggled under D&RG ownership following the Panic of 1893 and the end of free coinage of silver. The museum is located in the Durango roundhouse. [4] During the late 1970s, the D&RGW was actively trying to sell the Silverton branch and, in 1979, Charles Bradshaw, a Florida citrus grower, offered the railroad a legitimate opportunity to divest itself of the now-isolated route. Would the Knight Sky be anymore protected from rain with its windows out than the Rio Grande? Is 17 feet (5.2m) long, and was built in 1886. The railroad purchased some of the property around the depot, cleaned-up the block extending north to Sixth Street and facilitated the opening of gift shops and other tourist-friendly businesses. No. [citation needed]. After World War II, domestic tourism began to grow across the country and the Silverton branch of the railroad would benefit. Traded to the D&SNG in exchange for. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. All aboard! Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled. It can hold a group of up to eight people. Built in 1883, the Cinco Animas was originally an immigrant sleeper. We were given 2 hours to check out the town and get food- but many of the shops/restaurants were closed since it was before Memorial Day. I would suggest calling the Rail Line. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Some rolling-stock dates back to the 1880s. Placed on display at the D&SNG Museum from 1999 to 2016. The round trip excursion will take around eight hours and there are numerous special excursions and themed trips throughout the year. Cost of ticket for Durango to Silverton train ride, We did the regular ticket and it was about $50 per person, Difference between steam and diesel trains, Not a big difference in riding experience. Today it is the oldest private railroad coach still in service in the United States. It was acquired by the D&SNG in 1982. They empty the trains for 2 hours at Silverton so people can have lunch and walk around the town to visit shops and businesses. We will pass fertile farmlands, old stagecoach roads, the breathtaking Highline, the remote Tacoma Power Plant, old mining camps, and be in the shadow of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, often with year-round snow! The train will cross the riverfivetimes on its journey to Silverton, offering spectacular views from both sides of the train. Due to COVID, the trips are being offered without the bus transportation there or back. There was no escaping it but we didn't mind. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. The K represents the nickname "Mikado" that describes a locomotive with two non-powered, pivoting wheels in front of eight driving wheels, which are connected to driving rods powered by the engine's pistons and finally two non-powered trailer wheels located under the cab. I'd previously traveled on the DSNGR in winter, and took another 4 inexperienced passengers with me this time. In the winter of 20072008 it was rebuilt with overstuffed seating for in a wide three across arrangement and had its name changed to San Juan. The original Cinco Animas could seat up to thirty passengers. The last excursion of the Animas River Railway was on September 23 from Rockwood to Cascade. A typical trip uses around 35 short tons (2.684.46 long tons; 2.724.54t) on the way up to Silverton and another 12 short tons (0.891.79 long tons; 0.911.81t) on the return to Durango. She was very knowledgeable with stories and explaining the scenery. It was our first on the Diesel. It depicts a narrow-gauge railroad similar to the D&RGW. It runs daily throughout the summer. Silverton isn't much of a 'destination'. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad owner Al Harper is pictured at the train depot in Durango on June 21, 2019. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. [+ More] 3206 N Main Ave Suite #1, Durango, CO 81301. Ownership of 315 was changed from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Durango. An extension was added to the old roundhouse, a new car shop was built on the site of the original "car barn", and the depot saw extensive repair and internal modifications. For 141 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. There are many ways you can experience the Durango train. In the winter of 20062007 it was again rebuilt into an open air observation car with comfortable and large overstuffed seats for a more expansive view. The engines currently use 6-ET automatic air and the secondary straight air used on regular service equipment. Magazine. "K-36" and "K-37" class locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition, and these larger classes of engines operated to Silverton for the first time ever following bridge and right-of-way improvements to the line. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! [4] Today, the D&SNG, along with the C&TSRR, are the only two remaining parts of the former D&RGW narrow-gauge network. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. The standard class steam Cascade Canyon excursions include a concession car on the train serving light snacks. I recommend opting for a higher price package if you go as the coach was nothing better than a school bus on tracks. This site uses cookies for measurement, ads and optimization. No. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. From early May through October, the railroad transports passengers to and from Silverton, a visit thats like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild West and when gold and silver mining in the area was at its zenith. Traded to the, Previously nicknamed the "PB-II". But, we had a bit of trouble with reservations for the type car we wanted, as our grandson is under 21. 485, unfortunately, fell into the turntable pit in Salida, Colorado, in 1955. It also features many artifacts from the Durango and Silverton areas. 473, 476 and 478 operated on the Silverton Branch from the 1950s through 1980 and are still in service today. They had breakfast nachos, hotdogs and coffee and other drinks. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). New firemen sometimes have a hard time learning this, because the art of "reading" a fire takes time to learn and the amount of time working on the K-28 class locomotives is much-reduced compared to the railroad's usual K-36 workhorses, which have a larger firebox and are more forgiving in technique. The town is the best, there are festivals, parties, and everyone is accepted. [8] A short time later, the railroad adorned a locomotive and four coaches with a colorful yellow paint scheme and launched modest public promotion. We treated our daughter and grandson with a trip to fly out to meet us for two weeks.This was a bucket list item for all of us to experience this together. For a more information on our year-round recreation log on to www.silvertoncolorado.com or call 1-800-752-4494. Britney, The Silverton Freight Yard Museum was opened in 1999 and is located at the Silverton depot and rail yard. It runs during the summer time. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". Durango To Silverton: A Guide To Getting There In 1942, 215 had been sold to a Mexican railway. View the Round trip schedule & fares. 5 came to rest in Dolores, Colorado. It is used by Maintenance of Way. This trade was mutually beneficial for both railroads as it gave the C&TSRR a fully operational locomotive, giving in exchange a locomotive that had never run and likely would never operate under C&TSRR ownership. A Durango railroad ride is a fascinating adventure whether you are traveling with your young children, on a romantic trip with your sweetheart or spending time with mom and dad. Enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or dinner in Durango prior to your transportation via van back to Silverton. We ended up waiting until others had left to make it easier to turn around. 127 is now used as a movie theater in the museum. No. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962 pp. Note: Historic Narration coach is currently unavailable due to COVID-19. They were able to see all the spectacular scenery and views in half the time. Our Durango and Silverton passenger set comes complete with: 2-8-0 locomotive and tender with operating headlight, open excursion car, old-time combine car, old-time coach car, 47 x 38 oval of snap-fit E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. 5. 476 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. 482 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The D&SNG has two museums, one each in Durango and Silverton. During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. Book your ticket on a historic narration coach and be entertained by tales from historic narrators dressed in period clothing and regaling you with tales from the fascinating and colorful history of the Durango and Silverton area. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. Scenic through the mountains along Animus River. Excellent day trip to Silverton or Cascade in original passenger car or open window gondola. Given the fire risk from coal cinder-sparked wildfires, the railroad's owner plans to invest several million dollars to replace coal-power with oil-power for its steam locomotives and has acquired two new narrow-gauge diesel locomotives. You can read about the basic differences below, or read a more in depth description on our Durango Silverton train classes page. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. The D&SNG operates several other coaches: Animas City 323 in Silverton, October 2012. Join us for a winter excursion on the Cascade Canyon Winter Train! We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. Isaac also sold maps, hats, souvenirs. (The Silverton route is a bit lengthy, and you get all the scenery you're looking for on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was named the NUMBER ONE NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN TRIP by National Geographic Traveler in 2010 and was named one of the World's Top Ten Train Rides by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. On April 8, 2021, it was announced that No. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We rode the train up to Silverton and back and it was too long - in our opinion. [9], By the 1960s, a modernized D&RGW did not see the Silverton Branch as worthy to maintain and a petition was filed with governmental agencies to abandon it. It runs daily throughout the summer. #499 was later traded for K-36 class No. The route is varied throughout the year and offers both winter excursions and summer excursions. It was a popular glass-topped observation car and the only one of its kind. The 470 series, or "K-28" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for freight service along the D&RG. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. The railroad runs 12-car passenger trains behind these engines; however more cars require the train to be double-headed. The first class Knight Sky car is available May 7 through 20 as well as September 24 through October 29, 2022. Always the best part is the scenery. Poem: The Silverton Train - The Durango Herald Firing can be tricky when the engine is working hard, as the clamshell-style firedoors tend to pull into the backhead of the boiler due to the draft, and if any flues in the boiler are leaking, the loss of draft on the fire is much harder to work around than on the K-36 locomotives. His plans were fulfilled with the March 25, 1981, acquisition of the D&RGW's 45-mile (72km) Silverton branch and all of its structures and rolling stock. Each locomotive engine has two-wheel pilot truck, eight drive wheels and two wheels trailing truck behind the cab. They were later dismantled for scrap in 1946. It was used with the Animas Canyon Railway Diesel-powered rail-bus. When you embark on your Durango to Silverton train journey you will have the choice of several different classes, from Standard Class to Presidential Class. [16] As of 2023, the railroad aims to have most, if not all, of its operational steam locomotives converted to oil-power. Durango & Silverton starter set. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. The Yellow Carrot. It was restored in 2001 at a cost of $250,000 by the D&SNG. Water is fed to the boiler by two non-lifting injectors. We felt we wanted to sight see more in Durango rather than spend so much time on the train. There was another car with the same name that was destroyed in a derailment on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Though there are no longer any operating mines, the mining legacy pervades every aspect of the town, as a visit will show. I called to see how people managed and was told that people who booked the one-way trip had someone who was not taking . We are happy to help you find the best Durango train deals. Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between Durango & Silverton Colorado CO AO3271 - eBay Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. What hotels are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? It has room for 11 passengers. This railway is truly stunning throughout the year and will offer you a beautiful scenic journey during any season. Built in the winter of 19871988, the Rio Grande was originally railbus trailer 1002 and was painted red. At the time, American Heritage Railways was headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. This journey is a feast for the senses and a treat for anyone who loves history and nature. This historic steam railroad has been in continuous operation since 1881.. Between 1982 and 1985 the D&SNG built Open Observation cars 411 and 412. Getinformation on upcoming train events, deals on hotels plus insider information about Durango, CO delivered to your inbox weekly. 119 was built in 1882. You can find the complete train schedule and associated classes of service offered for both of these Silverton trains at Durangotrain.com. It is truly an unforgettable step back in time. [citation needed]. Thinking this might be a good alternative? It was given number 313, because it resembled the Silver Vista. Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. Free shipping for many products! 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The historic railway has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, taking guests on plush vintage steam locomotives through the stunning San Juan National Forest. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice. | Since the swap failed to go through, the D&SNG announced in June 2016 that it was going to restore locomotive 476 to operating condition and place locomotive 478 in the museum where locomotive 476 previously sat in. However, plans were cancelled and #493 sat outside the Durango roundhouse with an uncertain future for some time until early 2018, when she was put in the roundhouse for restoration. It is rugged and gorgeous! We were on the Knight Sky car. The seats on the train (in the car with the glass top) reversed so we always were able to sit going forward. Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. It's long enough, and not too long. They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. The train stops for a water refill beside the river. The seats did well to seat 2 people in them and it was tight. It was later determined that the trailing truck was having trouble negotiating the curves in the Animas Canyon. 6630, it was rebuilt in 1968 as a baggage car for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The trailer 1002 could seat 48 in longitudinal seats. On top of skiing, you may enjoy sledding, tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain. Silverton Take the railroad into this old mining town next door. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Yelp Freight Yard Museum in Silverton, October 2012, Freight Yard Museum with the Silverton depot, October 2012. Steam looks great and it's nostalgic. Hotels near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Restaurants near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. 18 later arrived to Durango on lease from the Eastern California Museum in November, 2018 and it stayed until October, 2019. Below are some pieces of 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge equipment that visit the D&SNG railroad. It runs daily during the summer. 4 is a Class 8/18 C 4-4-0 locomotive, built in 1875 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. It is on display in the museum. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. [citation needed], The observation car on the Silverton route in 1951. To save it from being scrapped, it was leased by the City of Durango as a display. No. 1991, the railroad's own track was featured in a, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 17:31. Motive Power and Equipment Solutions, Inc. Acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions (MP&ES) in 2018 in response to the, Restored to operating condition in 1984. In November 1916 the engine was sold to the Rio Grande Southern and was used till the RGS was dismantled in 1952. Im going to book for July and I am unsure of which car to book. I think I had higher expectations because we have previously done the Leadville train. Galloping Goose No. Excursions begin May 6, departing from the Durango Depot. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, Addiction has found its way to Southwest Colorado; robust treatment services have not, Leaving friends, family and community for treatment is hard, but some have little choice, Durango Transit to expand U.S. Highway 160 west route to Crestview neighborhood, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. The train is the subject of the song The Silverton, by C. W. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. No. Along the way, youll be treated to stunning vistas beside the pristine Animas River San Juan Forest through wilderness inaccessible by roads. In 1887 it was rebuilt into a combination coach-baggage car and numbered 215. Locomotives 473, 476 and 478 operated on many parts of the D&RGW. In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. It was rebuilt in 1937 at the Alamosa shops. Durango and Silverton - N Scale Ready to Run Electric Train Set. Browse different rides & seasonal events. The last train to operate into Durango from the east was on December 6, 1968. The railbus was repaired and began operations on May 6, 1989. Half the roundhouse is used for the steam engines and the other half is for the museum. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2mi (72.7km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. The first 18 miles to Rockwood were completed by late November. of tractive effort, superheated, and the boilers are fed by two non-lifting injectors. We rode in the open Gondola train, so we would not miss anything but the last half hour a storm rolled in and it rained. *The first class Knight Sky car on the Silverton diesel train is available May 26 through September 19, 2022. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad announced this week it has purchased four new diesel engines, including these being . When the D&RGW abandoned the line to Durango, 315 was donated to the Chamber of Commerce in 1968. Secluded in a mountain valley at an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton came into existence because of the rich treasures that the surrounding mountains hold. Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. [14] The railroad's coal-burning steam locomotives were suspected of sparking the "416 Fire" blaze,[15] and some area businesses and residents filed a civil lawsuit against the railroad and its owner in mid-September, 2018. Rail camp car No. It was converted to a coach-snack bar by the D&RGW in 1963 then reconverted in 1979 to a coach. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. By Molly March 13, 2018. The price is just $15.00 and as with all of our merchandise, all proceeds go to benefit the Durango Railroad Historical Society. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango CO - Facebook Engines pose less fire danger than coal-burning counterparts. The 40-square-foot (3.7m2) grate surface in the firebox is among the largest built for a narrow-gauge locomotive and is fed by hand-firing. I chatted with one family before boarding and they say the ride every year and prefer the open cars. Locomotive No. View the Round trip schedule & fares. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing, Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience. Free shipping for many products! 31/2 hours! Because of its popularity, there has been speculation that the D&RGW destroyed it on purpose to drive revenue down so they could abandon the line from Silverton to Antonito. 486 at Royal Gorge Park, including the tender from #498. If this is your first time taking a journey with us, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the unparalleled scenery along the way. Currently out of service. Durango Silverton Train - D&SNGRR Steam Train Adventure

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