A day or so back I posted a comment toward fewer D&SNG trains in the 2002 seasson, and maybe more cars requiring helper engines, etc.
Several replies that I received caused me to do some more research. It is a fact that on May 6, 1989, there were two trains operating to Silverton. This was the opening day of the season after the round house fire in February.
The timetable schedule then called for one (1) train to depart Durango at 8:30 AM. #476 pulled that train and carried "green flags" to signify a second section pulled by #497.
Checking into the pages of a 1995 D&SNG Employees Timetable, learned that only 1 out of 6 trains was designated as being First Class. All others were listed as Second Class or Mixed.
Here is how they were schedule to run:
First Class #115/#116, San Juan Express dept 7:30
Second Class #461/#462, Silverton Mixed dept 8:30
Second Class #463/#464, Silverton Mixed dept 9:15
Second Class #261/#262, Cascade Mixed dept 10:00
Second Class #465/#466, Silverton Mixed dept 10:10
Second Class #265/#266, Cascade Mixed dept 4:00
Now here is my trivia Question ??? Can a Second Class train carry "green flags" for another train?