Re: Eureka & Palisade #4 "Eureka"

If folks want to "foam" over a "heritage locomotive", then why not do it over something genuine? Eureka is no re-creation. She's the real deal. There are just 3 original wood-burning 4-4-0s that I am aware of that can still run under their own power. Two of them are pretty much museum-bound and rarely haul loads of any kind. Then there's Eureka...still hauling paying passengers on wilderness excursions over 130 years after she was built...and still on her original boiler. I wonder if any of the current class of "heritage locomotives" will be anything more than razor blades in 130 years.

I've had the pleasure of riding behind Eureka on the past two Railfests and am going to try to make it out there again this year. Folks not only get to re-live railroading the way it was 130 years ago, but Dan and his crew are a most interesting and friendly group of people to chat with during the trip.

Folks who want this experience, but may not have the cash for the all-day trips may want to check out the D&S website. I believe that on one of the days during Railfest, they will be offering shorter rides from Durango out to Home Ranch and back at significantly lower cost.

For those who've never seen her, here is a small album of pics that I've shot of Eureka over the past couple of years:

Eureka Photo Album

/Kevin



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/23/2012 10:15PM by KevinM.