Steamscape: The Los Pinos Valley. High above the Los Pinos Creek, just west of Osier, CO, D&RGW Locomotive #425 takes a mixed train east through a deep rock cut at about MP 317.3. This view provides a close-up of the 425, showing some of the details that were changed when the locomotive was back-dated from the DRGW 315 look that we have become used to. Note the arc-lamp-style headlight, the new number plate and the wooden cow-catcher pilot, in addition to the large, gold lettering that was common on locomotives of the old Denver & Rio Grande before the merger that created the D&RGW. This particular trip was a photo excursion for Lerro Photography and about 45 photographer patrons. It was also the last day of operation for the 315/425 before she begins her scheduled FRA 1,472 Service Day Inspection.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
