It was first steamed up and moved under its own power after 58 years on August 24, 2007, at the D&SNG roundhouse during a photography event. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. No. In the Silverton depot are local artifacts. Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Votes are . Despite the overall demise of the RGS, 6 of the 7 "Geese" have survived today, and a couple of them have visited the D&SNG a few different times, most notably No. The scenery is majestic (especially if you sit on the right side of the train) with the train going around cliffs with tracks very close to the edge. Durango Train Rides | Ways To Ride The Durango Silverton Train It is rugged and gorgeous! [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". William Jackson Palmer (18361908) was a former Union General (serving in the American Civil War) who came to Colorado after managing the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway into Denver in 1870. Durango & Silverton starter set. Caboose No. Definitely pack a lunch!! [25] During that time, it was used for oil-fired training in preparation for the D&SNG's conversion of their steam locomotives from coal to oil for fuel. Silverton steam train runs from May 7 - October 29. As others have stated, read the website thoroughly as it explains in detail everything you need to do to have an enjoyable experience. The museum is open every day the train runs. Hop On The Train. It is available for charter and can hold up to eight people. There is also a movie coach that was used in the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where the railroad's informational and educational films are featured. Firing is simpler on these engines compared to the K-28s; however, the larger surface area requires more fuel. Durango Train Tickets & Reservations - Durango, Colorado The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. It was then rebuilt into an office living car for members of the Valuation Survey in 1919. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It was restored by the Eastern California Museum from 2009 to 2017, with some help from members of the D&S Shop crew. Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. We bought the ticket for a round trip from Durango to Silverton. 481 is operational and is the only remaining active coal burner left on the D&SNGs roster. Bachmann HO Scale Durango & Silverton Electric Train Set - eBay During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Bachmann Trains - Durango & Silverton Ready To Run Electric Train Set In response to the 416 fire, the D&SNG announced their plans to restore #493 publicly and that the locomotive was their first candidate for an oil conversion, with more to come in the future. No. We normally take the steam engine. The tractive effort of K-28s is rated at 27,500 pounds-force (122.326kN) and the tractive effort of a K-36 is a 36,200 pounds-force (161.026kN). Our iconic 5-hour excursion offers breathtaking views of the Animas River, highline, and miles upon miles of rugged wilderness vistas as you travel through the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado. The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Built originally as a mining line, the scenic value of the Durango and Silverton was quickly recognized in passenger service. Are there plug ins on the train for people who have portable oxygen? The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. After a rebuild in 1937 it became a parlor-buffet car named Alamosa. 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. Palmer and his associates had agreed that the choice of 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge would be well suited to the mountainous country, and relatively less expensive construction costs would enhance the viability of the new railroad. Reservations: (877) 872-4607 or bookonline. Prior to the war, he had risen within the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as secretary to the president. For the first time in many years, double-headed trains (trains with two locomotives) and additional scheduled trains were employed to handle the continually-growing passenger trade. The original 1881 Durango roundhouse was completely destroyed by fire in the winter of 1989. On top of skiing, you may enjoy sledding, tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain. It was stored from 1992 to 1997, until it was rebuilt as an open observation car 313. First class train car availability differs from month to month. The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. 476 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. 485, unfortunately, fell into the turntable pit in Salida, Colorado, in 1955. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. All aboard! The D&SNG operates two museums, the D&SNG Museum[22] and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum. We wish we had done the narrow gauge to Cascade Canyon and back. Used as the Durango shop switcher. We rode the train up to Silverton and back and it was too long - in our opinion. Sorry, I don't know. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! The Skyway Tour option saves time & rewards you with equally as stunning views on the bus ride back along the San Juan Byway. ), Fantastic bus ride back with a good train ride and good views. The D&SNG was founded by Charles Bradshaw Jr., of Florida, with the intent of purchasing the right-of-way and equipment while expanding the infrastructure and passenger revenue. Durango To Silverton: A Guide To Getting There 480 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. On display are outfit cars, some equipped with kitchen facilities and side-dumped gondolas. II, is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #4 is a 55-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #5 is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #7, nicknamed the "Big Al", is an 87-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #9 was first acquired by the D&SNG in March, 2006 and is a 92-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #11, nicknamed the P.B., was built by, Diesel engine #1201 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018, in response to the, Diesel engine #1202 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018 in response to the, Diesel engine #1203 is a type DE75CT diesel built by, In April, 2020, it was announced that four, Concession car 64 was originally D&RG mail-baggage 64 built in 1889. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. The ceiling of the Prospector features an enlarged route map, making it easy for passengers to follow the train's progress along the route. Built in the winter of 19871988, the Rio Grande was originally railbus trailer 1002 and was painted red. Numbers 493 and 498 are owned by the D&SNG, but #498 is not operational and serving as a parts source. It was turned into a business car in 1913. The Durango Train Seating Options - Mild to Wild Blog - Mild2WildRafting It is used by Maintenance of Way. After World War II, domestic tourism began to grow across the country and the Silverton branch of the railroad would benefit. 0540 was built in 1881 and is a mini-warehouse, carrying the most common tools and supplies. There was a photographer who came around and took everyone's picture- then brought you the picture on the way back for you to purchase. No. Open observation gondolas 400402 were built in 1963, equipped with passenger car trucks, steel roofs, tile floors and tramway seats. You can find more information about the Durango train and Durango train rides here on our site. In June, 2018, the railroad shut down for several weeks due to a wildfire, named the "416 Fire",[12] which was fought by two air tankers, six helicopters and some 400 firefighters on the ground. Built by the D&RG in 1887, it had clerestory roof and bullnose ends. The Yellow Carrot is a high vibration culinary food mecca, eatery and bakery. 84,641 were here. The locomotives are 470 series Class K28 engines with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement. Our new Silverton Silverlight Express is your ticket! So, hop aboard and relive the Golden Age on our railroad, A National Historic Landmark thats truly a unique experience for all. The train stops for a water refill beside the river. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions After surviving natural disasters, wars, and financial instability, a determined staff (and starring roles in several Hollywood movies) promoted the . We still were going to buy it but then overheard the girl tell the people behind us that she was glad they don't take cash because "if she had to give one more person a quarter back, she would jam that quarter down their throat". Nicknamed the "Hotshot". Not even once or twice. There is an employee that walks around sharing information along the route. The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San Juan River in New Mexico, boasts some of Colorados most striking canyon scenery. 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. I chatted with one family before boarding and they say the ride every year and prefer the open cars. But, we had a bit of trouble with reservations for the type car we wanted, as our grandson is under 21. No. 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, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Make sure to check out our deals for kids, seniors, military and frequent riders before booking and special discounts on select departures. And we wished we had investigated other options. For this reason, the D&SNG traded #497 to the C&TSRR in exchange for K-36 class #482. The company is converting a coal train, pictured, to run on oil in order to . 425 and, after the railroad was reorganized into D&RGW in 1924, it became No. The bus ride backs saves you about 2 hours and I thought was the best part of the trip although it rained the whole way so the views were not there. | 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. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. It is a National Historic Landmark as well as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It's called Durango, a little town nestled in the Animas canyons and . The 480 series, or "K-36" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for the D&RGW. . Be sure to stop by the Silverton Museum, Jail and Mining Heritage Center and uncover many artifacts of San Juan Countys past. The new company Animas River Railway was incorporated by the D&SNG, as an attempt to preserve the integrity of its own claim of "100% coal-fired steam locomotives". The railbus hauled hikers and fishermen into the canyon from Rockwood. In 1924 it was converted into a parlor-smoker car. While being owned by several parties between 1951 and 1982 the Fairplay was renamed the Nomad. It's a looong day on that train to go round trip to Silverton and back to Durango. Galloping Goose No. Once there, you'll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. View the Round trip schedule & fares. In 1953 the engine was sold to the Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa. I feel as if the DSNG really missed a great opportunity to share some great history. 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. Beginning May 7, 1988, a new diesel-hydraulic motorcar and trailer railbus began making trips out of Rockwood, Colorado up the Animas canyon. At Cascade Creek the train stopped for about an hour so you can get out, stretch your leg and have lunch. On display in the Durango and Silverton RR Museum, engine 42 was one of 6 class-70 2-8-0 locomotives built by Baldwin in 1887 for the D&RG. Rail camp car No. Arrive Silverton. The car had a closed vestibule, with steam heat, electric lights and seats for fourteen passengers. After the Silver Vista was built in 2006, it became open observation car 410. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. When traveling on the D&SNGRR, we suggest you wear layers of clothing. Thank you! In 1963 it was purchased by the Cinco Animas Corporation, where it received its present name. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. Looking to start your trip in Silverton? 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. The Route - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. Typical of many portions of the surviving narrow-gauge branches into the middle of the twentieth century, the line faced sagging revenue due to ever-declining mining ventures, highway trucking competition and insignificant passenger revenue. Silverton Colorado Train : r/Colorado - Reddit Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Durango and Silverton Railroad takes commuters through Colorado's San Juan National Forest. The remainder of the route entered the narrow Animas Canyon, which has steep granite walls. Operations for the Animas River Railway were run out of Rockwood. Poem: The Silverton Train - The Durango Herald This site uses cookies for measurement, ads and optimization. We felt we wanted to sight see more in Durango rather than spend so much time on the train. Ballantine Communications, Inc. There was a book available but for $10 but I feel as though they really could have made the experience worth the $$ If they narrated the ride. All rights reserved. 3. The Yellow Carrot. No. We booked a 9 AM steam engine train in an open air gondola car. Engines pose less fire danger than coal-burning counterparts. Standard class steam excursions available every dayMay 28 - Aug 11, 2022 and Sep 2 - Oct 15, 2022. When the D&RGW abandoned the line to Durango, 315 was donated to the Chamber of Commerce in 1968. 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. Durango Silverton Train - D&SNGRR Steam Train Adventure Originally built as flat car No. The train's speed is about 12 mph and you were welcomed to get up to stand at either end of the train. Between Rockwood and Silverton it is a designated wilderness area and there is no motorized access. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.[3]. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, this train offers a unique, affordable, family-friendly travel experience that combines Colorados colorful pioneering and mining histories with unparalleled backcountry beauty. Then the D&RGW realized that it was larger than another combination car 212. It was restored in 2001 at a cost of $250,000 by the D&SNG. All rights reserved. Durango Train Schedule 2022 | Narrow Gauge Railroad It runs daily throughout the summer. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. Its modern amenities include internet service and a twenty-inch flat paneled television. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango CO - Facebook Free shipping for many products! We experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. It offers views of some of the most scenic areas in the southwest and is one of the last locomotives in . There was a family that got on and off midway at Rockwood Station and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone interested look into that option. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. In 1986 it was put on display at Santa Rita Park. Both cars were built as general passenger cars to help with the increase in passengers. Daily excursions run from May through October with departures from both Durango and Silverton. While youre at the Durango Depot, dont forget to visit the free D&S Roundhouse Museuma 12,000 square foot facility situated in the railyard that houses a carefully curated collection of artifacts and exhibits that paint a picture of Colorados rich railroading and mining histories. No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. IMHO you can only make small talk with strangers for so long - Ha! The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. We left at 9AM and our attendant (Isaac) was very knowledgeable with stories and explaining the scenery. [4] Today, the D&SNG, along with the C&TSRR, are the only two remaining parts of the former D&RGW narrow-gauge network. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. To experience a train up close and personal, book a locomotive car ride. It was rebuilt by the D&SNG in 1984 with a kitchen, a bathroom and beds. 5 was completely restored to operating condition in 1998 by the Galloping Goose Historical Society[24] in Dolores, Colorado. It does not matter which side you sit on because the train stops in Cascade Canyon and then turns around back to head back to Rockwood Station so you get to see the scenery on both sides. Diesel engine #11 in Silverton on October 25, 2012. You can find the complete train schedule and associated classes of service offered for both of these Silverton trains at Durangotrain.com. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. They were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. 119 was built in 1882. The D&SNG Trains. You can find the complete train schedule and associated . On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. 478 is placed on display in the D&SNG Museum awaiting an overhaul in the distant future. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sold to the. All that matters is that you meet the kind folks there who keep their trains in line. Silverton isn't much of a 'destination'. On October 5, 1980, The Silverton made its last run under D&RGW ownership and, after operating a work train the following day, the railroad finally concluded its 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge train operations,[11] bringing to a close an era that began 110 years earlier with its narrow-gauge railroad from Denver to Colorado Springs. The Interstate Commerce Commission declined to grant the request due to the continued increase in tourist patronage. Take the train to Silverton & ride the bus back to Durango, or take the bus to Silverton & ride the train back to Durango. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Air brakes are 6-ET automatic and also feature a straight air secondary braking system for daily passenger trains. Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway Photos and - Getty Images Today it is the oldest private railroad coach still in service in the United States. THE DURANGO AND SILVERTON ADD-ON ROUTE NOW FOR TRAIN SIMULATOR 2016. . 99% of travelers recommend this experience. She made it the most delightful trip weve taken. Still craving more? Yes, its a long day but we had a ball with our host/ attendant Delaney. The running gear on the locomotives also tend to wear out faster than the ALCO-designed K-28s, and the resulting pounding and rough ride can take a toll on the engine crew. Choose from a 9-hour round trip tour, a train/bus combination, or a train & adventure package to fit in as much fun during your trip as possible! The train journey offers incredible scenic views such as Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and all of the Animas River Gorge giving you an unforgettable Rocky Mountains experience. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . Deer, elk, black bear, Bighorn Sheep, mountain lions and moose are sometimes sighted as well as eagles, hawks, osprey, geese, squirrels, marmots and fox. It can hold a group of up to eight people. 12:30 pm. All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. 631 was built in 1985 and named the North Star. [citation needed]. The only downside was the parking. In July 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande reached Durango and started building the final 45-mile stretch up the Animas River to Silverton. It has never been restored to operating condition. This results in the draft being forced through the fire bed in the thinner areas towards the flue sheet, which usually is hindered by the lack of draft between the grates and the arch brick. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. Schedule and fares are subject to change. There was no escaping it but we didn't mind.
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