On October 19th, 2023, the crew on Denver and Rio Grande Western 463 rounds a curve with a freight train at the Big Horn Wye during a recent photo charter, between Antonito and Osier, Colorado.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/4.5, 1/2000, ISO 200.