The Durango Railroad Historical Society [www.drhs315.org] needs your help to keep Locomotive D&RGW 315 operational for another 15 years. The engine is required to undergo a Federal Railroad Administration 49 CFR part 230, 1472 service day inspection before May 2022 to remain operational.

The locomotive is the second oldest operating, FRA compliant, steam locomotive in Colorado or New Mexico. The locomotive was built in July of 1895 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The engine was delivered to the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad on July 25, 1896. The locomotive is 125 years old this year. The engine represents a living piece of history having operated on the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad, throughout the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge circle, over the Rio Grande Southern and on both remaining portions of the narrow gauge system in Colorado and New Mexico. In 2007 the volunteers of the Durango Railroad Historical Society returned the engine to operating condition after it had been sitting on display in Durango for 57 years. The 315 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The City of Durango transferred ownership of the locomotive to the Durango Railroad Historical Society in 2014.

The inspection will require removal of the cab, all appliances, inspection of the boiler shell, replacement of all the fire tubes and then reassembly of the locomotive.

The C&TS RR has agreed to perform the boiler work required for the inspection during the winter of 2021-22.

The Society’s volunteers will assist with the inspection work. The total estimated cost to keep the 315 operational for another 15 years is $70,000.

The Ryan Family of NY have challenged DRHS to raise the funds needed for the inspection. The Ryan’s are matching the donations raised over the next 45 days to ensure the 315 continues to operate. Your donation effectively is doubled through the Ryan’s generosity.

Thank you for supporting the Durango Railroad Historical Society and continued operation of the D&RGW 315. Please consider a $315 donation for the 315. Our web site also has a PayPal link for donations, [www.drhs315.org].

The Durango Railroad Historical Society is a non-profit corporation in Colorado and is a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

25% State Tax CREDIT for Colorado Residents

The inspection work to be performed by the C&TS RR is covered by the Conejos County Enterprise Zone project through the C&TS RR. Colorado Residents who donate to the 315’s 1472 service day inspection are eligible for a 25% Colorado State Tax Credit by submitting a check for their donation to;

Durango Railroad Historical Society
315 1472 Inspection
P.O. Box 654
Durango CO, 81302

Include the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, your return address, phone number along with your check to ensure we can get your Colorado State tax credit certificate to you.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2020 12:33PM by Scott Gibbs.