It was reconverted to a full concession car by the D&SNG in 1982. Yes, its a long day but we had a ball with our host/ attendant Delaney. The train stops for a water refill beside the river. Built in 198788 winter, motorcar 1001 was named Tamarron. It is on display at the Silverton Northern Engine House in the Summer, where D&RGW No. The female bus driver was great and talked the whole trip giving us a tour and filling in with great stories of her life in the area and other items. It runs daily throughout the summer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. To all of the passengers and friends of the Durango Train, we make a solemn commitment to you to provide a taste of authentic railroading history presented as it was in 1882. Durangos elevation is 6,512 feet above sea level and Silverton sits comfortably at 9,305 feet elevation. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. No. ), Fantastic bus ride back with a good train ride and good views. Scenic through the mountains along Animus River. The museum is located in the Durango roundhouse. The "36" stands for 36,200lbf (161.026kN). You can read about the basic differences below, or read a more in depth description on our Durango Silverton train classes page. In 1971 engine 42 returned to Golden as a restaurant display at Heritage Square. It was changed to car 403 in 1885. The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San . Magazine. Restored back to operating condition in February, 2018. This is an option offered on their website. 119 was built in 1882. Nicknamed the "Hotshot". You dont even have to go on a trip. The 490 series, or "K-37" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were part of a class of thirty standard-gauge class 190 (later, class C-41) 2-8-0 "Consolidation-" type engines built in 1902 for the D&RG by Baldwin Locomotive Works. 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. 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. As of 2023, of the nine steam locomotives currently owned by the D&SNG, Nos. 473, 476, 480, 481, 482 and 493 are all operational. 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. There was no escaping it but we didn't mind. 127 is now used as a movie theater in the museum. Listen to the steel wheels sing as you venture alongside the rushing waters of the Animas River and amid the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to beautiful Cascade Canyon or the historic mining town of Silverton. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. Vestuable ends, train-line steam heat, electric lights, and deluxe Heywood-Wakefield reclining coach seats for 24 passenger were installed. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad owner Al Harper is pictured at the train depot in Durango on June 21, 2019. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It saw limited service and acted as a backup concession car. It was originally designed to be an ambulance servicing the Sunnyside Mine in Eureka, Colorado, and was often used by mine officials to commute to Silverton on the Silverton Northern Railroad. 483, which had not seen operation in several years. [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. 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. Still see beautiful scenery and not sit on the train so long. 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. 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. It was given number 313, because it resembled the Silver Vista. 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. We left at 9AM and our attendant (Isaac) was very knowledgeable with stories and explaining the scenery. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. Depart Durango. Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 4:15 AM. We took the train ride to Silverton and then the bus back to Durango. 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. The town is the best, there are festivals, parties, and everyone is accepted. For this reason, the D&SNG traded #497 to the C&TSRR in exchange for K-36 class #482. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Durango and Silverton - N Scale Ready to Run Electric Train Set. All aboard! To save it from being scrapped, it was leased by the City of Durango as a display. Heading out of town towards the 4-wheel drive Alpine Loop will take you on an excursion connecting Silverton, Lake City and Ouray through ghost towns and old mining claims. After the Silver Vista was built in 2006, it became open observation car 410. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. Even more interesting, the D&SNGRR museum is located in one part of the roundhouse, the only one of its kind in the world to house narrow gauge steam locomotives. Daily excursions run from May through October with departures from both Durango and Silverton. From May 27 through September 15 Elk Park trips ran at 7:30a.m. and 3:30p.m. All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. The railroad runs 12-car passenger trains behind these engines; however more cars require the train to be double-headed. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962 pp. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. At first the D&SNG operated only one K-37: #497, which was rebuilt in 1984 and operated for seven years, being the first K-37 to go to Silverton, and under its own power. Definitely pack a lunch!! 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. The museum is open every day the train runs. The ceiling of the Prospector features an enlarged route map, making it easy for passengers to follow the train's progress along the route. On display are outfit cars, some equipped with kitchen facilities and side-dumped gondolas. I feel as if the DSNG really missed a great opportunity to share some great history. It runs daily during the summer. After 3 1/2 hours, we arrived in Silverton which is a sleepy old mining town with dirt roads- looks like the old west with mountains in the background. Due to COVID, the trips are being offered without the bus transportation there or back. Hear about what it took to build the railroad, interesting facts about the scenery and the historical significance of the area and what life was like in the old days in the Durango and Silverton area. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use 6630, it was rebuilt in 1968 as a baggage car for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Schedule and fares are subject to change. 6 hour trip reasonable priced, oil fired steam engine still authentic (coal sends out too much ash , could ignite ground fire)). Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. In 1938, it was sold to Warner Bros. and was used in many films. 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. The train is the subject of the song The Silverton, by C. W. 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. Travel is through some of the most scenic areas in Colorado. We ordered the box lunch and for $15.00 we received a sandwich, bag of chips, cookies, fruit and a bottle of water. 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. It can hold a group of up to eight people. The route was originally opened in 1882 by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) to transport silver and gold ore mined from the San Juan Mountains. And have dinner at the luxurious Strater Hotel, which will make your trip even better. 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. Ergonomically, the engines are less comfortable than the others as well, with the crew seats being farther back from the backhead and the engineer having to lean forward constantly to adjust the throttle and use the sanders. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. Water is fed to the boiler by two non-lifting injectors. Depart Silverton. 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. Former mail baggage car 66 was used as the ticket window, office and waiting room for the railway. Join us for your ultimate train adventure! The Casey Jones railbus was built in 1915 out of a Model T and is a debatable predecessor of the Galloping Goose. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. All six operable locomotives had been inside at the time and were damaged, but not beyond repair. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. Caboose No. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. At Cascade Creek the train stopped for about an hour so you can get out, stretch your leg and have lunch. Whenever possible, try to acclimate to the altitude by arriving a day early. It was turned into a business car in 1913. The railroad has won the award for the last two years and is going for a third win. It is available for charter and can hold up to eight people. Arrive Silverton. The Durango Silverton Train system is a narrow gauge railed. 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. It was rebuilt by the D&SNG in 1984 with a kitchen, a bathroom and beds. In 1928 and 1930, ten of the C-41s boilers were used to build the Rio Grande's K-37 class of steam locomotive. Very friendly staff. 473 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. Today, nearly 140 years later, the Durango train is just as an essential part of the city's livelihood and culture as it was in its founding days. We took the Express optionand thank goodness we did! I think she could be a stand-up comedian. Placed on display at the D&SNG Museum from 1999 to 2016. When the D&RGW abandoned the line to Durango, 315 was donated to the Chamber of Commerce in 1968. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorados San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious. For the safety and protection of guests and employees, the D&SNG suspended all operations until at least June 23, 2020. Thank you! Silverton Take the railroad into this old mining town next door. How long does it take to ride the train from Silverton to Durango? All that matters is that you meet the kind folks there who keep their trains in line. There are bathrooms and a concession car that people were using.
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