DSNG 22-car train

Mechanical breakdown affects Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train service.
Due to a mechanical breakdown (sheared piston rod) on the 1925 Locomotive #482 pulling the 8:45am train (2nd train) to Silverton this morning, the train was stopped several miles south of Silverton, unable to proceed on its own power. The 1st train's locomotive #486 went to Elk Park to bring the 2nd train in to Silverton. The 3rd train with locomotive #473 was behind this delayed train and was also delayed. The 1st train with Locomotive #486 left Silverton on 3:05, approximately 1 1/2 hours late. The 2nd and 3rd trains left Silverton together under the power of #473. The 482 was towed to Durango by the diesel that is stationed in Silverton as a 'rescue' locomotive for situations such as this.

I hope you enjoy the video http://www.durangoexposures.com/Trains/Train-Videos/ of the 22-car train being pulled along the highline. While I was waiting for it, I could hear it slipping, stopping and starting again on that small incline just before the sharp corner. The crew did an amazing job gently coaxing the 473 to start up again ON THE INCLINE and finish pulling that 22-car train along the highline and down into Durango.

A relief crew took over at Home Ranch Siding in the Animas Valley.

This is authentic railroading through beautiful and rugged terrain using equipment and rolling stock from the previous century and every day we depart Durango we hope for the best and are prepared for the worst. Whether it is weather related or a mechanical failure, the most important thing to the D&SNG is that no one is injured. To us, that is the measure of a successful day.