The Historic Durango Train’s Blog Series: Conserving a National Treasure

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 137 year old historical treasure, a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiential adventure for thousands of passengers each year. It provides a…

Because of long-term drought conditions and changing climate patterns in Southwest Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is evolving its operations, in part, by diversifying i…

Conversion of Locomotive 493 from Coal-Fired to Oil-Burning Here is the tender tank for locomotive 493 under construction in Durango. The tender tank is nearing completion off site with constructio…

Work on the Locomotive 493 conversion from coal-burning to oil-burning continues. Here’s the latest on this process. All wheels have now been re-profiled. The one nearest the camera has a new axle;…

As discussed in previous posts, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad‚ Locomotive #493 is in the process of being converted from coal-fired to oil-burning at the Durango depot in Durang…

Here is the rundown of recent work: Approximately 175 flexible staybolts have been added so far. We’re a little over 1/3 done with the flexible staybolt conversion part of the project.

The process of converting Locomotive 493 from coal-fired to oil-burning continues. Excellent progress is being made with a great deal of work beginning to come together. Highlights include finishin…

January brought significant advances in the conversion of locomotive 493 from coal-fired to oil-burning. The most significant progress was in the re-installation of the four driving wheels and the …

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad touches the senses in different ways. Some ride because of the spectacular scenery deep within the rugged San Juan Mountains, and for the breathtakin…

View a series of photos showcasing the restoration and conversion of Locomotive 493.

On August 20, 2020, Locomotive #107, a 1,200 horsepower diesel locomotive, built by Alco- Montreal Locomotive Works in 1969, arrived at its new home in Durango after its lengthy journey from Skagwa…