SPNG #18 HEADS TOWARDS DURANGO.

SPNG #18 whch has been restored over a six year period in and around Independence, Lone Pine and Laws in California is to become part of the Durango and Silverton Scenic Railroad roster. It was steamed for the first time last year in Laws and it will be moved to the Durango and Silverton RR arriving 1st November 2018. Built in 1911 for the Nevada, California & Oregon RR, it sat as a road-side exhibit for many years in Independence CA. It's a 4-6-0 oil fired Baldwin and is capable of pulling a six or seven car load up the 2.5% Hermosa Hill grade. The lease is between the owners, Inyo County CA and the D&S. No end date has been released. Randy Babcock of the D&S was one of the key personel involved with the restortion. The #18 will join the 493 as part of the D&S oil fired locomotive roster. Unlike the '93 whch will have a drop in oil tank in its new tender to allow for a retrospective converstion to coal, the 18 cannot be so converted. While the 18 is said to be restored to FRA spec, the D&S will run through tests to ensure FRA compliance and make any repairs needed.

Mark K
Durango CO