Echoes of an earlier age. Denver & Rio Grande Consolidation #425 hauls an eastbound mixed consist out of the rock cut at MP 317.3, just east of Osier, CO on a pretty fall day in 2021, on a Lerro Photography Charter for approximately 45 patrons. The train is passing some of the many remnants of the old D&RGW telegraph system that follow the present day Cumbres & Toltec line from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO.....a dead give-away that this photo was taken in the preservation era. It's been well over 50 years since this was an active freight line and significantly longer since passenger or mixed service operated through here. Although the C&TS has clearly made it a point to leave these remnants of an earlier age in place for their patrons to see, it is amazing to see how much of it has survived the Colorado weather over the many decades. Dangling wires and wooden poles in various states of decay still line much of the railroad, but what's interesting is what's missing completely. The insulators that used to exist on these pole are made of glass and should theoretically be the most survivable pieces of the old telegraph system.....yet there are none to be found anywhere. Not a one. Clearly, these insulators must have been prized relics for souvenir hunters and railfans over the years, because they've completely removed them from the entire 64-mile line.
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.
