https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/index.php Sat, 08 Aug 2026 12:58:38 -0600 Phorum 5.2.20 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488316,488316#msg-488316 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488316,488316#msg-488316 youtu.be]

Check out our video of Cumbres & Toltec's 150th Anniversary of Colorado's statehood, featuring D&RG 168.]]> Yard Limit Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 08 Aug 2026 04:59:35 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488311,488311#msg-488311 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488311,488311#msg-488311 --
Chris Webster































]]> Chris Webster Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 19:17:36 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488304,488304#msg-488304 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488304,488304#msg-488304
[attachment 104346 _Z7I1270copy.jpg]

[attachment 104347 _Z7I1276copy.jpg]

[attachment 104348 _Z7I1331copy.jpg]

[attachment 104349 _Z7I1317copy.jpg]

[attachment 104350 _Z7I1271copy.jpg]]]> Jerry474 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 08 Aug 2026 10:31:41 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488303,488303#msg-488303 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488303,488303#msg-488303 Elrey Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:11:21 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488298,488298#msg-488298 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488298,488298#msg-488298
In a recent hobby auction, I was able to win an original D&RGW/RGS folio book, dated on the listing as 1939. This book is not from 1939 (exclusively) for a variety of reasons we will get into. This book covers a wide swath of D&RGW locomotive development, with the earliest reissues inside dated from the mid-1920's (with penciled notes from the 30's), and the latest reissues from 1954. It contains two different cover sheets, one from March 18th, 1939-- and the other with a Flying Grande logo, also reflecting the switch from the Card-Folio organization system to the L-Number of later D&RGW folios.

[attachment 104333 IMG_6669.jpg]
[attachment 104334 IMG_6670.jpg]
[attachment 104335 IMG_6671.jpg]

The entire tome is 156 pages: 2 cover pages, 5 index pages, and 149 folios. (113 Standard Gauge, 36 Narrow Gauge) covering almost everything--from the Burnham Yard goat to the K&H shays, to the L-125s and everything in between as far as I can tell. The book is printed on three different types of paper, which seems to represent three major reissues of folios. There are blueprinted Card-Folios, typically not carrying any reissue date, B&W printed Card-Folios, typically with reissues dated to 1939 (with exceptions), and L- series folios, generally dated for the late 1940's, all the way up to 1954 or so.

I think this represents the work of a shop-hand who continually updated, while never really removing outdated folios. Almost every locomotive, minus some truly eclectic engines (Yard goat, K&H shays, etc), all have at least 2-3 folios per class, reflecting the three different major reissues found elsewhere in the volume. Some have even more! The C-16's have 6 folios dedicated to them, the C-17's have 5, etc... I really got more than I bargained for with this one, that's for sure! There are also a few standard gauge car folios stuffed in as bookmarks, though they are wildly outside of the scope of this forum.

[attachment 104337 IMG_6672.jpg]

Truth be told, this entire book (especially the standard gauge portion) is a little surplus to my requirements, and I would hate to hoard this primary resource material that I'm certain others could pick apart and put to fantastic use. I'm sure most of the contents have been readily reproduced before--although I still would be open to scanning this tome in its current state and 'completeness' and offering it as a free-to-access resource for modelers and those interested. It's not inherently unique in material, but I think it is quite an oddball in scope.

That being said, if anyone on the forum has resources/insight on doing an archival scan of oversized documents like these, please let me know. I have never considered doing a digitization of this scope before--but I think this example is somewhat unique and worth preserving for the future. Running out of attachments on this post, I will continue it in the next one with some folio examples!

- Peyton Smith]]> Peyton Smith Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:17:17 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488295,488295#msg-488295 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488295,488295#msg-488295 [attachment 104332 25673-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:40:13 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488274,488274#msg-488274 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488274,488274#msg-488274 Jeff Ellingson has four watercolors on display in "The Color of Summer" art show thru October 26, 2026.]]> Chris Webster Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:40:40 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488264,488264#msg-488264 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488264,488264#msg-488264
I copied the forum contents to my web server, glenn.pulpitrock.net, and I'm going to stand up an archive copy there. Will take a bit; there are a ton of settings to re-configure. When done I'll post a link here, and there'll be a link on the top-level home page.

This is personally bittersweet; the Goat was the first place I talked to anyone about the Colorado narrow gauge. I was sitting by myself at Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, figuring out both a new job and a seriously injured stepson back in the states. Goat was a bit of an escape from all that, on a dial-up over a satellite phone connection, at that. Things change...

Regards,
Glenn Butcher
Narrow Gauge Dead Goat Saloon Sysadmin\]]> Glenn Butcher Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:25:22 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488263,488263#msg-488263 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488263,488263#msg-488263
[attachment 104329 Screenshot2026-08-067.18.13AM.jpg]

The full article has several photographs, none, including a couple view of early Shays, captioned in detail, but simply added illustratively. The link is:

[project.geo.msu.edu]

The image in the screenshot I thought the most provocative.

JH]]> JH Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:09:49 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488261,488261#msg-488261 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488261,488261#msg-488261 Miles operated: Standard Gauge 74 / Narrow Gauge 145

Flat #1 - 204, Length: 25 - 32, Width 7', 12 - 15 ton Capy. 144
Stock #701 - 706, Length:26', Width 7'. Height 6' 4". 15 ton capy. 7
Gondola #1000 - 1150, Length: 25 - 28', Width, 7', Height: 1'3", 12 - 15 ton Capy. 137
Box #2500 - 2595, Length: 26', Width 7', Height 6', 12 - 15 ton Capy, 85
#2601- 2646, Length, 14 ton Capy, 46,
Caboose #3, 40 - 43 5
Baggage #30 - 33 4'
Combination #35 & 36 2
Coaches #1 -16 16]]> RonRudnick Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:25:02 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488256,488256#msg-488256 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488256,488256#msg-488256 *The full moon for September is on the 26th!

[cumbrestoltec.com]]]> Dave Boyer Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:16:05 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488238,488238#msg-488238 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488238,488238#msg-488238 [attachment 104310 img6265-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:18:00 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488228,488228#msg-488228 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488228,488228#msg-488228 blog here). Yet, there is no active turntable at the C&TS in Chama. Does anyone know what happened to this turntable?
Kurt]]> Kurt Maechner Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:57:23 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488226,488226#msg-488226 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488226,488226#msg-488226
Tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad on White Pass at mile15.6:
[attachment 104305 TracksoftheWhitePassYukonRouterailroadonWhitePassatmile15.6approximately1914.jpg]

Retaining wall supporting the tracks of the White Pass &Yukon Route railroad at mile15.8:
[attachment 104306 RetainingwallsupportingthetracksoftheWhitePassYukonRouterailroadatmile15.8approximately1914.jpg]

Tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at mile17 showing Skagway Bay in distance:
[attachment 104307 TracksoftheWhitePassYukonRouteRailroadatmile17showingSkagwayBayindistanceapproximately1914.jpg]

Sawtooth mountains at mile17 of the White Pass & Yukon Railroad:
[attachment 104308 Sawtoothmountainsatmile17oftheWhitePassYukonRailroadapproximately1914.jpg]

Tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at mile17 showing Skagway Bay in distance:
[attachment 104309 TracksoftheWhitePassYukonRouteRailroadatmile17showingSkagwayBayindistanceapproximately1914.jpg]

Would love to see modern views for comparison!

Timothy]]> heatermason Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:28:21 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488221,488221#msg-488221 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488221,488221#msg-488221
[attachment 104300 buffers-logging-Shay.jpg]

Detail from:

[mohai.org]


Bruce]]> bcp Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 06 Aug 2026 02:23:27 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488212,488212#msg-488212 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488212,488212#msg-488212 [attachment 104295 default.jpg].

Not yet narrow gauge (unless the pole road), Whitehorse 1899, sign at right: "Yukon Flyer Line" (someone with sense of humor.....). Asahel Curtis photo:
[attachment 104296 YukonriverfrontWhitehorseYukonTerritorywithpoletramroadandsternwheelsteamboatS.S.BAILEY..jpg]

Didn't know the WP&Y had a predecessor road!

Timothy]]> heatermason Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:02:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488208,488208#msg-488208 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488208,488208#msg-488208
Information shown on the trip page:
Changes
Passengers can make changes to their reservations up to the day before their ride. Change fee is $6 per ticket. If there is an error during the original booking, customers must call the reservation office within 2 days of the reservation to avoid being charged the change fee.

Cancellations/Refunds
Cancellations made 48 hours prior to the trip date are refundable minus Service Fees with a cancellation fee of $18 per adult ticket and $9 per child ticket. Cancellations made after the 48 hour deadline are non-refundable. All Fares Are Subject To A 7% Non-Refundable Historical Preservation Fee. Purchases made through 3rd Party or Discount companies or websites are NON-Refundable and the above cancellation policy does not apply..

From the link to their change/cancellation page ( [cumbrestoltec.com] ); this information is also shown at the time on-line payment is made:
Trip Protection is available at the time of booking only and costs 8% of the ticket price.

Benefits:
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund of the ticket price.
Change your departure date up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.

Please note:
The Trip Protection fee is non-refundable.
Processing fees are non-refundable.

Without Trip Protection:
Tickets are non-refundable.
One (1) complimentary change per ticket is permitted up to 24 hours before departure.
Additional changes are subject to a $20 fee per ticket, plus any fare difference.

Within 24 Hours of Departure:
No changes, cancellations, or refunds are permitted within 24 hours of your scheduled departure, regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.

If We Cancel:
If Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad cancels or materially alters your trip due to weather, mechanical issues, wildfires, or other operational reasons, you will be offered:
Rebooking on a comparable departure, or
A full refund of the ticket price.
This applies whether or not Trip Protection was purchased.
Processing fees remain non-refundable.

The big difference between the two seemingly contradictory policies is that without purchasing a trip protection policy you will be able to change a trip but not receive a refund if you cancel it.]]> Dave Boyer Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:02:26 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488200,488200#msg-488200 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488200,488200#msg-488200 [attachment 104293 20260803_211314.jpg]]]> david090 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:10:58 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488198,488198#msg-488198 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488198,488198#msg-488198
The article can be found here:

[www.colorado150southwest.org]

Videos:





[lnn.news]





Larry Gross]]> LJGross Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:34:41 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488196,488196#msg-488196 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488196,488196#msg-488196 [attachment 104290 img5331-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:07:01 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488177,488177#msg-488177 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488177,488177#msg-488177 A rare double headed flanger clearing up to Cumbres and then to Osier. Kind of odd seeing the flanger car in between two engines.]]> Dean2926 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:43:28 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488163,488163#msg-488163 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488163,488163#msg-488163 rainbowroute Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 01 Aug 2026 23:47:44 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488162,488162#msg-488162 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488162,488162#msg-488162 [attachment 104277 IMG_9845.jpeg]]]> GilpinMan1887 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:29:30 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488159,488159#msg-488159 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488159,488159#msg-488159 Alex Rymdzionek Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:18:23 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488141,488141#msg-488141 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488141,488141#msg-488141 [attachment 104257 img4668-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:35:50 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488136,488136#msg-488136 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488136,488136#msg-488136
Thanks,

/Kevin Madore]]> KevinM Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:45:32 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488118,488118#msg-488118 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488118,488118#msg-488118 The Train Robbery, which was unveiled today. You'll recognize the location as the final crossing of the Animas on the way into Silverton, and though the new bridge doesn't quite have the same ramshackle charm as the old Timber Bridge, by shooting directly down the middle of the tracks, Yarrow was able to hide the more modern looking concrete caps and preserve the timeless feel of the setting.

I was lucky enough to get to tag along again, so I thought I'd share some behind-the-scenes images to give a sense of what goes into a production like this.

[attachment 104247 DSC_1946Medium.jpg]
It was still dark in Silverton at 5:20am when I arrived at the depot, with low clouds and fog hanging everywhere you looked, but by the time the crew loaded up and 473 began backing down the tracks towards the bridge at 6:30, much of it had burned off and the first signs of the sun were beginning to appear on the high peaks south of town.

[attachment 104244 DSC_2087Medium.jpg]
Directing the shoot was no easy feat. Between the sound of 473 and the river, it was difficult to relay information to both the train crew and the cowboys, who already had their hands full keeping their hoses steady (let alone galloping towards the train) midstream with clouds of steam billowing out at them.

[attachment 104251 DSC_2282Small.jpg]
If you've been on a photo charter in Durango over the last few years, you likely know Russell, who does a phenomenal (and very hands-on) job of making sure these shoots go off without a hitch.

[attachment 104252 DSC_2065Medium.jpg]
While past shoots have featured celebrities, models, and professional athletes, this one featured just a handful of cowboys, who all looked and played the part tremendously.

[attachment 104250 DSC_2335Medium.jpg]
The real star, of course, was 473, which put on an impressive show of steam and smoke to create a perfectly cinematic backdrop for the shot.

Happy to share more if folks are interested (there were a few other setups and locations, but I don't want to post anything from those spots until Yarrow has shared his images first). And if you haven't seen his previous wintertime work on the D&S, I highly recommend checking it out here in the Wild West section.]]> anthonydamato Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:46:07 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488110,488110#msg-488110 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488110,488110#msg-488110 [attachment 104243 SVRRHansenCol.50-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:07:18 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488101,488101#msg-488101 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488101,488101#msg-488101
[attachment 104234 483-4841stxinga7.20.760000psresize.JPG]
Highway 17 crossing

[attachment 104235 483-484mp3427.20.760000psresize.JPG]
MP 342

[attachment 104236 483-484belowLobato7.20.760000psresize.JPG]
Coming out of the Narrows below Lobato

[attachment 104237 483-484Dalton7.20.760000psresize.JPG]
Dalton, before it was called that.

[attachment 104238 483-4842ndcrossinga7.20.760000psresize.JPG]
2nd Highway 17 crossing.]]> Earl Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:51:36 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488086,488086#msg-488086 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,488086,488086#msg-488086 Moderators, please delete this post if you feel it goes too far or isn't a necessary topic for the forum.*
-Thank you.

First, I'd like to apologize if some of what I mention has already been discussed elsewhere on this forum or from other sources. I simply want to share my own thoughts as someone who deeply loves this railroad.

Lately, I've been hearing many of the criticisms surrounding the C&TS. None of it is new to me. Over the years I've spoken to and heard from several people about the railroad, its operations, and some of the challenges it has faced throughout its history.
The C&TS has always had its share of struggles, particularly when it comes to management and commission oversight. Ever since the G. Bartholomew controversy, leadership changes, and other controversial decisions, the railroad has often found itself under scrutiny. There have also been plenty of rumors over the years, which I won't get into.

At the same time, it's important to remember the unique situation the railroad operates under. It serves two rural communities across two states, and maintaining a historic railroad in such an isolated area is no easy task. Despite the challenges, the C&TS has remained an important historical landmark and an economic asset to the surrounding communities. More importantly, it preserves a remarkable piece of Denver & Rio Grande Western history that continues to inspire steam enthusiasts and railfans alike.

As for the criticism, some of it is certainly understandable. There have been decisions over the years that many people have questioned, and events that occurred a few years ago created divisions within the railfan community, and some people have never looked at the railroad the same way since.

However, as the saying goes, "the show must go on."

My advice is to remember what the C&TS truly represents. No railroad is perfect, and while many would agree we've moved beyond the railroad's peak years of the 1980s, 1990s, or even parts of the 2010s, it still remains one of the greatest surviving narrow gauge railroads in North America. Wildfire restrictions, staffing shortages, and the challenges of maintaining the fleet have all made operations more difficult in recent years. Do I believe there are still areas that need improvement? Absolutely. I agree with many of the concerns that have been raised regarding management and operations. Constructive criticism has its place, and every organization should strive to improve. But sometimes it can be discouraging to read comments that seem to overlook everything the railroad continues to accomplish. Looking back at 2025, we all know how difficult that season began. Fortunately, the railroad did make a few significant leadership changes and ultimately finished the year on a much stronger note, while still only operating three locomotives and putting together a successful season.

As for 2026, I believe the railroad is continuing to recover. The season hasn't been perfect, but there are encouraging signs that some things are moving in the right direction. From what I've heard, the new leadership (President) under Marvin Casias has received some positive comments, and I hope those improvements continue.

In the end, I remain optimistic. The Cumbres & Toltec has overcome difficult times before, and I believe it can do so again. While there will always be disagreements and criticism, I hope we don't lose sight of what makes this railroad so special. At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: seeing these little huffing and puffing, climbing Cumbres Pass for generations to come.]]> Dean2926 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:45:27 -0600