Take on some water at the Needleton Tank.The former D&RGW K-37 Locomotive #493 makes a big show of her southbound departure from the legacy Needleton Tank at Milepost 484.4. This is one of just 2 remaining legacy wooden water tanks that remain from the old Denver & Rio Grande Western era, neither one of which is still functional. This particular tank was retired in 1960, in favor of a repurposed tank car body, which sits a couple of hundred yards north of this location (behind the train). The current-day Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad still maintains the cosmetic look of this tank and the one at Hermosa. This tank was last refurbished back in 2004. Today, it primarily serves as a symbol of the heritage of this line and it makes a fine prop for a dramatic photo run-by, such as the one you see here.
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.
