Jim Pearson – Page 67 – Jim Pearson Photography

D&RGW 463 makes its way through the countryside with a freight train on the way to Osier, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 makes its way through the countryside with a freight train on the way to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

D&RGW 463 makes its way across High Bridge with a freight train on the way to Osier, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 makes its way across High Bridge with a freight train on the way to Chama, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

CSXT 1776 Spirit of Our Armed Forces locomotive leads CSX I025 on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, 2023

CSXT 1776 Spirit of Our Armed Forces locomotive leads CSX I025 on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, 2023, as it made its way south at Nortonville, Ky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

According to a press release from CSXT, ES44AH locomotive No. 1776, dubbed “The Spirit of Our Armed Forces,” was unveiled 0n April 30, 2019, at the railroad’s Huntington Heavy Repair shops in West Virginia.

No. 1776, renumbered from No. 3112, wears a combination standard CSX scheme on its cab and a highly detailed digital camouflage paint scheme on its long hood which adorns CSX’s new “Pride in Service” logo. The seals of the five-armed services branches are spread across the rear of the engine’s radiators, and logos for several support organizations for veterans and veterans’ families also appear on the locomotive. A screen-printed American flag covers the side cab windows.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110.

Digital Photo Art – Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 at Ferguson’s Trestle

Digital Photo Art – Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 passes over Ferguson’s Trestle at MP 285.87 at sunrise as it heads to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/3.2, 1/1000, ISO 80.

Denver and Rio Grande Western 480 leads one of the daily passenger trains as it heads back to Durango, Colorado from Silverton, CO, just south of at Hermosa, Colorado, on October 14th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 720.

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Denver and Rio Grande Western 493 leads one of the daily passenger trains as it heads back to Durango, Colorado

Denver and Rio Grande Western 493 leads one of the daily passenger trains as it heads back to Durango, Colorado from Silverton, CO, just south of at Hermosa, Colorado, on October 14th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 720.

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotives 473 and 493 head north…

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotives 473 and 493 head north alongside highway 550 as they lead a passenger train, approaching Trimble, Colorado on October 18th, 2023, on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, on their way to Silverton, CO!

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

Denver and Rio Grande Western 7863, ex-Southern Pacific 7863, sits next to the old depot at South Fork, Colorado

Denver and Rio Grande Western 7863, ex-Southern Pacific 7863, sits next to the old depot at South Fork, Colorado on October 18th, 2023, along with several other pieces of equipment.

From what I can find online the depot is now used by Revolution Rail Company for a railbike operation. Here’s what they say on their website: After checking-in at the South Fork Railroad Station, rail bikers will receive a short safety briefing and the tour guides will lead the 6-mile out-and-back trip. Riders on the South Fork Run enjoy a gorgeous ride alongside the Rio Grande, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding terrain and vistas.

Feeling adventurous? We are now offering a Pedals and Paddles combo trip! Guides will lead guests on a 5-mile one way railbike trip that includes expansive vistas of the Rio Grande and Coller State Wildlife Area. Arriving at the rafting put-in, guests will join our partners Rocky Mountain Ski and Raft who will provide all equipment and safety instruction before beginning the 6-mile Rio Grande paddle excursion back to the Depot, for a perfect day in the San Luis Valley.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 120.

Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 168

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 168 as it pulls a small train across a small bridge at Lower Whiplash, as it heads for Osier, Colorado, on a recent photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 2023.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 16mm, f/5.6, 1/300, ISO 400.

December 9th, 2023 – Episode 49 Saturday edited video by Jim Pearson Photography

This week I spent five hours on the CSX Henderson Subdivision between Mortons Gap and Kelly, Kentucky where we followed loaded grain train G305 as it met a variety of trains along the way, in addition to a few others! Enjoy and please like, share and subscribe, and thanks for watching!

The glow of the morning sun illuminates the horizon as Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad…

The glow of the morning sun illuminates the horizon as Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 makes its way through the Lava Curve, New Mexico, with a freight train on the way to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/160, ISO 170.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 approaches the water tower at Antonito, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 approaches the water tower at Antonito, Colorado with a freight train, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023, as a switchman stands by to re-align the switch after he passes.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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 10-24 @ 70mm, f/4.5, 1/2000, ISO 110.

Norfolk Southern 4124 prepares to exit Duncan Hill Tunnel as it leads NS 168 westbound at Georgetown, Indiana

Norfolk Southern 4124 prepares to exit Duncan Hill Tunnel as it leads NS 168 westbound at Georgetown, Indiana on November 4th, 2023, on the NS Southern East District.

According to Wikipedia: The Duncan Tunnel (also known as the Edwardsville Tunnel) is a railroad tunnel in Edwardsville, Floyd County, Indiana, USA. At 4,295 feet (1,309 m) long it is the longest tunnel in Indiana, nearly a mile long. The tunnel was initially built for the Air Line, who were unable to find a suitable route over the Floyds Knobs so they decided to tunnel through them. The tunnel was completed by the Southern Railway in 1881 at a total cost of $1 million. It is currently still in use by the Norfolk Southern Railway. The tunnel passes beneath I-64 intersection #118.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1000, ISO 310.

Digital Art Photo – CSX Louisville and Nashville Heritage Unit 1850

Digital Art Photo – CSX Louisville and Nashville Heritage Unit 1850 leads loaded grain train G031, as it approaches CSX Howell Yard, under stormy skies, at Evansville, Indiana, on October 5th, 2023, on the CSX Evansville Terminal Subdivision. After a crew change and new train ID of G419, the loaded grain train continued its move south to Mobile, Alabama.

According to CSXT: CSX has introduced the sixth locomotive in its heritage series, a freshly painted unit honoring the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Designated CSX 1850, the locomotive will be placed into service, carrying the L&N colors across the 20,000-mile CSX network.

The paint scheme was designed and applied at the CSX Locomotive Shop in Waycross, Georgia, which has produced all six units in the heritage series celebrating the lines that came together to form the modern CSX. Like the other heritage locomotives, the L&N unit combines the heritage railroad’s iconic logo and colors on the rear two-thirds of the engine with today’s CSX colors and markings on the cab end.

Chartered by the State of Kentucky in 1850, the L&N grew into a vital transportation link between the Gulf Coast and the nation’s heartland. The railroad was absorbed by the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, which subsequently became part of the Chessie System and, ultimately, today’s CSX.

The CSX heritage series is reinforcing employee pride in the history of the railroad that continues to move the nation’s economy with safe, reliable, and sustainable rail-based transportation services.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1250, ISO 250.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head to Durango, Colorado at Goblin Fire (480.5) with snow covered Pigeon and Turret Peaks in the background, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 64.

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Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 leads a K-28 100th Anniversary Special…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 leads a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head to Durango, Colorado at Goblin Fire (480.5) with snow covered Pigeon and Turret Peaks in the background, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 64.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 476 runs as a mid-train helper on a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head through the curve at Goblin Fire, Milepost 480.5, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 110.

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Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge K-28 100th Anniversary Special…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 with 476 as a mid-train helper on a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head through the curve at Goblin Fire, Milepost 480.5, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 110.

CSX Conrail Heritage Unit, CSXT 1976 leads M512 at Earlington, Ky

CSX Conrail Heritage Unit, CSXT 1976 leads M512 as it heads out of Earlington, Kentucky on November 9th, 2023, northbound on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on an overcast fall evening.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 130.

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463…

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 as it approaches Mud Tunnel at milepost 311.3 as it returns to Antonito from Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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 10-24 @24mm, f/5.6, 1/220, ISO 400.

December 2nd, 2023 – Episode 48 Saturday Edited Video from Jim Pearson Photography

This week we catch CSX 1776, Honoring Our Veterans locomotive leading I025 south at Nortonville, empty coal, E302 north at Madisonville loaded coal C738, north at Mortons Gap, Paducah and Louisville Railway local north at West Yard, Madisonville, a UP Coke train south after turning it’s engine at PAL West Yard and finally Norfolk Southern loaded coal northbound over the drawbridge at Rockport, Kentucky. Enjoy and please Like, Share and Subscribe! Thanks for watching! Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to Subscribe and Ring the Notification Bell so you won’t miss any of my future videos! Have a blessed day everyone!!

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 heads toward Osier, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 heads through the countryside between Antonito and Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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 @300mm, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 125.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463…

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 as it passes through the curve headed up to the Lava Water Tank at sunrise, between Antonito and Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.

According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.

Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.

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 @112mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 160.

Minnesota Zephyr F7 804 (RPCX 804) sitting in the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad (SL&RG) yard…

During my recent trip to Colorado to chase steam we stayed in Alamosa for the Cumbres and Toltec portion of the trip. On October 18th, 2023, I captured this shot of Minnesota Zephyr F7 804 (RPCX 804) sitting in the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad (SL&RG) yard there.

According to Railfan and Railroad Magazine, The F7 was always a rarity on Alco-dominated SP&S, which bought just three F3s and four F7s, compared to 34 of Alco’s FA models. Even today, five of the Alco cab units exist in some form but the former SP&S 804 is only EMD cab. Built in January 1953, all four F7s worked as Burlington Northern units nearly a decade after the Alcos were scrapped or sold off, but only 804 found a second career when it was retired in 1981. After several short line stints, the engine was used on the Minnesota Zephyr excursion in the late 1990s. That folded in 2007 and the engine sat in Stillwater, Minn., until it was purchased for the Iowa Pacific Holdings-owned San Luis & Rio Grande and moved to Colorado in 2015. It was at risk of being sold for scrap during the recent bankruptcy liquidation of SL&RG, but was rescued thanks to contributions by members of the SP&S Historical Society.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO 130.