Motorcars on the Durango and Silverton RR - 2017

Our friends Mark and Deby invited us to ride with them on their narrow gauge motor car on the Durango and Silverton Railroad. NARCOA (North American Railcar Operators Association) arranged for 25 railcars to ride the railroad in early Septermber for three days.

These are well organized and well run trips on very interesting and scenic railroads.

Deby and Mark

The depot is no longer in use - all ticket activities are now downtown

This is the bridge at Teft - a classic example of a link and pin bridge

We were escorted by one of the railroads motorcars and met others out on the line

These drop bottom gondolas are stored on the siding at Tacoma

Bridge leading to the High Line

Spectacular scenery on the High Line - cliff on one side, shear drop on the other

Trees were just starting to change color

The motor cars were treated as a train - track warrants giving permission to run the line were required and checked

It was cold in the morning - hard hats were required along with warm coats

Once the weather warmed it was open air motoring with headset for noise control and communication

Scenery along the way - river on one side, rock on the other

Taking a break at the Cascade Wye

On one cold morning we found fishermen had started a fire in the shelter at the Cascade Wye - boy did that feel good!

The railroad turns train at the Cascade Wye and often provides food for passengers - nice place to have a bite

Shelter at the Wye

There are nice flower gardens at the Tall Pine stop

Hard hats are required on the railroad when outside the motor car

This is a classic example of a stub switch at Rockwood

Not often you see reindeer along the right of way

This gentleman was found at Hermosa driving a Model T Speedstar. He was fun to talk with

D&S storage yard at Hermosa

Julie enjoying the view on the Highline

Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec

The Cumbres and Toltec railroad is a historic district owned by the States of Colorado and New Mexico. This is a beautiful and scenic narrow gauge railroad running thru incredible scenery. It is well over 100 years old.

It has a fascinating history and lots of antique equipment of historical interest. Keeping this antique railroad and equipment in operating condition requires considerable time and talent, more than can be provided by the railroad employees alone.

An organization is in place called 'The Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad'. Their mission is to 'Preserve the Narrow Gauge Past for the Future'. This group of dedicated people provide funds, material and labor to rebuild railroad cars, buildings, signage and clear the right of way. They restore equipment and arrange for it to be utilized on the railroad to recreate trains from days gone by.

Much of this restored freight equipment is used to create special freight trains for photographers to document. They have built a maintenance facility in Antonito and also have car barns to protect equipment undergoing restoration.

They have week long work sessions throughout the year and folks come from all over to provide their time and talent.

This drop bottom gondola restoration has just been completed and is ready for paint

Wood has been repaired where needed

Paint work underway

Once the cars are painted the graphics and lettering are added by volunteers

Equipment is stripped to base structure

Tank car restoration is one of the latest projects

Inside of the restoration shop

They have recreated patterns to be used for casting metal parts

Equipment out on the line ready to go

One of their latest projects

It is nice to see their work rolling along. In this case the train is filled with re-eneactors in period garb