October 9 was memorable both in 1968 and in 2020. In 1968 this date was 40 days after the last revenue freight on the narrow gauge, but the rails on the Alamosa-Durango line were kept shiny by movie work and by an engine dead heading to Alamosa for a last overhaul by the Alamosa shops. On this day 483 was working out of Chama, while 473 ran light engine from Durango to Chama. Ernie Robart took this picture of 473 eastbound at Gato. Note that the number board on the smokebox correctly identifies the engine as 473, while on the side of the cab the engine is lettered and numbered as Union Pacific 478.



On this same date of October 9, but 52 years later, 487 was hauling a 9-car passenger train through glorious fall colors with aspens and oak brush at their peak of color between Chama and just south of the Coxo crossing.