Tanks and pipes at MP 305. A pair of D&RGW K-36 Locomotives drag a heavy consist of tanks and pipes westbound past MP 305, en route to the oil fields near Farmington, NM. One quick look at a Rio Grande Freight from the late 1950s or early 60s and you'd know what commodities were paying the bills. The oil and gas industry was booming in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado and the narrow gauge rails were one easy way to get supplies into the field and get the product to market. D&RGW Freights often consisted of 50-60 cars, many of which were related to these two industries.
Interestingly, the 1960s also saw the introduction of some new ideas to stimulate further oil and gas production in this region, including an early attempt at fracking. Some genius in the Federal Government got the bright idea that if they set off a big enough explosion underground, they might bust loose a bonanza of gas from the shale deep underground. So, they decided to drill a 4,000 ft hole about 25 mi southwest of Dulce (not far from Chama) and stick a 29 kiloton nuke down that hole. The experiment was actually successful....well, sort of. It did indeed bust loose a ton of natural gas! Unfortunately, the gas was far too radioactive to sell to anyone. How they didn't know that would be the case is anyone's guess. Anyway, they ended up flaring off most of the gas, scattering yet more radioactive particles into the atmosphere. They also spent a ton of money cleaning the site up. Today, all that remains is a bronze plaque....and a sign warning everyone not to dig there. The story is legit....no kidding. Just look up Project Gasbuggy sometime when you have a few minutes.
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.
