Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In August 2025 I made my third visit to the fabled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. The summer tourist season was in full-swing, and the daily steam train to Silverton had to be doubleheaded each of the three days I was there. In addition, the railroad was running a diesel excursion to Silverton as well as shorter trips to Cascade Canyon, and on one day a private charter. The consists of each train varied day to day so I have organized the video as follows:
1. We follow the daily diesel train as it departs Durango.
2. We chase the daily Silverton steam train led by 476. 480, 482, and 493 all acted as helpers on different days.
3. A brief chase of 482 leading the final Cascade Canyon train of the summer.
4. Three trains arrive in Silverton, first 482 leading a private charter followed by the daily trains.
5. The helper departs Silverton light engine, followed by the two trains. We focus on 476 as we return to Durango.
It was a fantastic few days on one of the world's most spectacular railways, made even better by the fact that K-36 class engines 480 and 482 (along with 481 and 486 which were not operating this summer) turned 100 years old this month.
In August 2025 I made my third visit to the fabled Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. The summer tourist season was in full-swing, and the daily steam train to Silverton had to be doubleheaded each of the three days I was there. In addition, the railroad was running a diesel excursion to Silverton as well as shorter trips to Cascade Canyon, and on one day a private charter. The consists of each train varied day to day so I have organized the video as follows:
1. We follow the daily diesel train as it departs Durango.
2. We chase the daily Silverton steam train led by 476. 480, 482, and 493 all acted as helpers on different days.
3. A brief chase of 482 leading the final Cascade Canyon train of the summer.
4. Three trains arrive in Silverton, first 482 leading a private charter followed by the daily trains.
5. The helper departs Silverton light engine, followed by the two trains. We focus on 476 as we return to Durango.
It was a fantastic few days on one of the world's most spectacular railways, made even better by the fact that K-36 class engines 480 and 482 (along with 481 and 486 which were not operating this summer) turned 100 years old this month.
