Narrow Gauge Railroad Discussion Forum https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/index.php Sun, 26 Jul 2026 06:16:55 -0600 Phorum 5.2.20 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487893,487893#msg-487893 Sumpter Valley Ry. #250 with Tender and Side Tanks (4 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487893,487893#msg-487893 [attachment 104180 11827-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:44:49 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487880,487880#msg-487880 211 to Lake City (9 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487880,487880#msg-487880
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Dylan Rogers, D&S Car Shop Manager.
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[attachment 104176 _Z808170copy.jpg]]]> Jerry474 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:36:30 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487879,487879#msg-487879 O.R.L. Co. (5 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487879,487879#msg-487879


[www.ebay.com]]]> ToltecTalk Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:14:38 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487865,487865#msg-487865 Summer Rain Shots (13 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487865,487865#msg-487865
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[attachment 104170 DSC_0318Medium.jpg]]]> anthonydamato Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:18:49 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487863,487863#msg-487863 Hard relight of 111 at Georgetown Loop (23 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487863,487863#msg-487863
I saw this on Facebook yesterday. Someone called this a “ Hard Relight.” I’ve never seen anything like it.

Mark]]> Mark Fuller Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 25 Jul 2026 22:16:35 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487859,487859#msg-487859 Pittsburg Southern Railroad (Narrow Gauge) (2 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487859,487859#msg-487859
Gondola #1,11,12, 17,18 & 21
Flats #2, 19 & 29
#18825 - 18834
Stock #5 & 15
Hoppers #500 - 509
Box #2000, 2004 & 2008
Camp Service #2003 - 2009
Baggage #2 & 3
Coach #4 & 5]]> RonRudnick Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:46:47 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487835,487835#msg-487835 480, 481, and 482 in Silverton today (9 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487835,487835#msg-487835
481 and 482 leading the 15-car passenger train into Silverton. I hope the open-car passengers did OK.

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Then followed the regular set of switching operations at the wye that turns the helper engine into the road engine and the road engine into the helper for an early return to Durango

Helper 481 has backed around the train and turned on the wye while 482 is pushing the train into the tail track

[attachment 104140 481and482July222026-3.JPG]
[attachment 104141 481and482July222026-4.JPG]]]> Olaf Rasmussen Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:48:13 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487830,487830#msg-487830 Coal at Mount Carbon (2 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487830,487830#msg-487830 Elrey Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:32:07 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487828,487828#msg-487828 Double Headers On The C&TS 2026 (6 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487828,487828#msg-487828 Dean2926 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:23:36 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487826,487826#msg-487826 Todays Train Will be Late (no replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487826,487826#msg-487826 [attachment 104135 Hayse-098300dpi8x10-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:50:47 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487802,487802#msg-487802 473 and 482 in Silverton today (4 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487802,487802#msg-487802
473 on the tail of the wye with rain coming down

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After watching the Gold Mountain fire night after night from our house, even a brief rain is a happy sight

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In Silverton I left Jack in the car for safety while I went to take a few photos of 473 and 482. Jack didn't see it that way.

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Here is 473 backing her train into town. Jack is back in the car with the window cranked a little higher

[attachment 104127 482July212026-1.JPG]]]> Olaf Rasmussen Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 03:54:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487789,487789#msg-487789 Orange County Register article about 41 and 340 rebuilds. (3 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487789,487789#msg-487789 Link to full O.C. Register article.

The OC Register has a pretty good article about the rebuilding of RGS 41 and D&RGW 340. It is really centered around 340 but does mention 41.
Shout out to Big Diehl for getting some photos printed and the link to his great film on 340. I'm glad the farm has finally allowed something to be said about this publicly. Now folks outside the railfan world will know.]]> Jeff Taylor Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:37:21 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487788,487788#msg-487788 More Crabtree AI slop, this time with RGS 20. (5 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487788,487788#msg-487788 is slop and that's why I used the word. I don't use Facebook so I don't see most of what he comes up with(Although his crap is poisoning any google search for most anything Colorado narrow gauge) but this one was sent to me by a friend. When you only look at the thumbnail at a glance seems ok but when you really look at the larger version it is a disgrace. EVERY SINGLE detail has been changed. The entire locomotive has been altered by the AI program, even 455 next to 20 has been screwed up. As has roundhouse and the goose in front of it. I could make a list of all the inaccuracies but I won't waste the time. To list a few, the number plate is completely different, the class lamps have been changed as has the headlight the smokebox handle, even the smokebox clamps, the pilot has been changed, the pilot steps attach to nothing, the builders plate has been erased, the spark arrestor, the sane dome lid, the air pump, the dynamo, the steam dome has rivets for no reason, the drivers, the crosshead all have been altered for nothing. The cab is now a steel cab and the front doors have been removed and the window remaining was colored red when it was never red, the tender has been changed and the wood greedy boards are now steel. and the rivet pattern over all is different. That's my short list. Nobody knows RGS 20 like I do at this moment in time so all these ridiculous details upset me. This is not a simple colorization of a BW photo it is a complete altering of a historic photo. Why not jazz up the Mona Lisa with a new hair style and make up?

This photo did not need colorizing, we have color photos of 20 in this era and clearly they were not used as a reference. He lists this photo as photographer unknown which is a shame because it makes me think it could be a negative he owns and no one but him will have the privilege to see the original, EVER. He could at least post the unaltered image as a comparison. But that will never happen because then every one would see how much he is destroying history with every post he makes. This photo is a perfect example of why so many of us hate AI. It is used unnecessarily everywhere. I'm so tired of all the AI created life or auto insurance commercials on my tv. In this case by someone who can't look at a BW photo as is, it has to be colored. Then, he can't take any critique whatsoever even when someone tries to point out that his precious AI got it wrong or completely obliterated historic details. Which isn't really his fault because he didn't doing ANY of the work, its all computer and then he is so quick to defend HIS work. He typed in some words and clicked a button that's all. It becomes his fault when he defends HIS perfection after being called out on inaccuracies then blocks you. He is hiding behind his computer and largely ignoring any feed back. To quote himself "To bury one's head in the sand and tell it to go away is foolish".

Here is what the computer Crabtree owns created as a "Conjured-up scene that doesn't exist" (as he calls it). Call it what you want it is still made up slop.
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This is not the same photo but it is from a similar angle and the same year. It is from the DPL and an Otto Perry photo.
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Another comparison from the Eriksen collection found here. This shows the actual colors.
[attachment 104120 EriksencollectionRidgway1951.jpg]]]> Jeff Taylor Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:35:46 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487782,487782#msg-487782 White Pass 2nd #4 (8 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487782,487782#msg-487782 [attachment 104117 whitepass121-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:45:07 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487777,487777#msg-487777 Lehow, Colorado on the DSP&P (1 reply) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487777,487777#msg-487777 Elrey Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:19:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487755,487755#msg-487755 Helpers out of Durango (12 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487755,487755#msg-487755 Bill D Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:13:06 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487752,487752#msg-487752 Typical Sumpter Valley Stock Car (1 reply) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487752,487752#msg-487752 [attachment 104109 SVRyStockCar20236747SVRREmlawCol-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:53:52 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487745,487745#msg-487745 Original 1873 Locomotive Builders Photograph D&RG "Mountaineer" ? (10 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487745,487745#msg-487745


[www.ebay.com]]]> ToltecTalk Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:55:49 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487726,487726#msg-487726 First Locomotive on the F&CC to Reach 'The Creek'? (8 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487726,487726#msg-487726 Mason2-6-6t Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:57:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487725,487725#msg-487725 Westbound Two Hours Late (3 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487725,487725#msg-487725 [attachment 104099 Screenshot_20260719-181024_Chrome.jpg]
[attachment 104100 Screenshot_20260719-181030_Chrome.jpg]]]> Dean2926 Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:55:30 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487712,487712#msg-487712 Building A Railroad (no replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487712,487712#msg-487712 [attachment 104092 HarrImages037-Copy-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:54:09 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487707,487707#msg-487707 Vulcan #5 overhaul (1 reply) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487707,487707#msg-487707 an ultrasound test. The cylinders have been lined and the running gear overhauled by machinist Keith Rucker. The bottom sheet of the water tank has been replaced and the cab is being rebuilt.
There will not be much 1907 locomotive left at the end of the summer overhaul! The boiler is inspected by the State of Georgia and the cars are inspected by the Amusement Park Inspectors. The train runs over a circle of track about three quarters of a mile long.

Ted Miles who likes narrow gauge Vulcans]]> Ted miles Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:46:00 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487698,487698#msg-487698 C&TS Leadership Changes: Marvin Casias named President of the Cumbres Toltec Operating, LLC (5 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487698,487698#msg-487698
Quote

CHAMA, N.M. & ANTONITO, Colo. — Marvin Casias has been named president of the Cumbres Toltec Operating, LLC, the organization that manages the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on a daily basis, according to a statement from the railroad. Additionally, Steven Butler has been named operations manager, and Alysia Martinez as business manager.

All three are longtime railroad employees who have played key roles in the Cumbres & Toltec’s operations. Their promotions reflect the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission’s confidence in the experienced team already in place and its commitment to building on that foundation, the railroad says. The new appointments are the result of restructuring the railroad’s organizational chart to reflect current operational needs. The railroad’s general manager position has been eliminated. Casias will lead the organization with support from Butler and Martinez.

Butler’s new role as operations manager is also not a one-for-one personnel change, the statement indicates.

It was also announced that Eric Mason, C&TS CEO, will be leaving the railroad. No explanation was given for his departure. While Casias will have the same duties as Mason, the position will now be titled as president. The commission and leadership team expressed their appreciation for Mason’s service, insight, energy, and dedication during his tenure.

Link to the full article: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad leadership changes]]> Chris Webster Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:27:49 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487696,487696#msg-487696 The Last Run of D&RGW 340 on the D&S (3 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487696,487696#msg-487696
video: [youtu.be]]]> Yard Limit Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:32:37 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487692,487692#msg-487692 D&S Trip/Hyce Charter Photos (1 reply) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487692,487692#msg-487692
I went to the Durango & Silverton back in February for the Hyce Charter and finally went through all the photos I took. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

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This is my favorite shot of the whole weekend, and it wasn't even during the charter. This is of 473 with what was originally 480's train. Photo was taken at the 550 overpass. Probably the best photo I have ever taken in my short amateur photography career. She was absolutely barking up the hill. That sound still lives rent free in my head.

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482 getting ready for departure the following day.

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RGS 20 on the High Line with our conductor walking alongside. I had seen 20 back in 2022. I stopped at the CRRM while on a trip to Montana to photograph the Montana Rail Link operations before it was reabsorbed into BNSF. She wasn't in steam that day, so I settled for observing her in the roundhouse. It was a real treat to see her in proper form.

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Mark and 20 posing for a few shots.

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I snapped this when we arrived back in town. Another top five photo of mine now.

I want to thank everyone at the Durango & Silverton, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Hyce team for making this happen. It was an absolute blast and something I will not soon forget.

Elijah
Southwest MO
@salvageyardstudio on Facebook and Instagram]]> Elijah Meadows Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Sat, 18 Jul 2026 04:28:56 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487675,487675#msg-487675 D&RGW #223 restoration update (video) (6 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487675,487675#msg-487675
Jimmy Booth presentation on the D&RGW #223 restoration

Bottom line, the D&S is taking over the #223 rebuild (for operation) and many components have already been restored thanks to the 30+ years of volunteer efforts of the Ogden Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS).

The estimated cost at this point is $1.5 million. The timeline to completion is subject to availability of funds, so if you want to see a C16 run sooner than later here is where to send your donations:

D&RGW #223 donation page]]> rod Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:34:44 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487668,487668#msg-487668 Robin "Rowdy" Yates (16 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487668,487668#msg-487668
My name is Kyle Yates, and my dad, R.J. "Rowdy" Yates, hired out in Durango when he was 18 uears old. He was a fireman, briefly and then became an engineer in the late 60's. He enjoyed 40+ years of engine service for the D&RGW, the Southern Pacific and finally, the Union Pacific.

I have joined to say hello, and to thank you all for keeping the narrow ginger alive and well!! My dad was the last fireman to travel between Chama and Durango. Dad just turned 80 and is living happily with mom in Pueblo!! He now runs his rock garden railroad in their back yard!!!

I look forward to hearing from anybody who knew, or worked with my dad!!

Thanks for allowing me in!!

Kyle Yates, proud son of R.J. "Rowdy" Yates]]> kcyates Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:22:23 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487656,487656#msg-487656 Loading WH Eccles #3 (no replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487656,487656#msg-487656 [attachment 104071 scan0005-Copy.jpg]]]> J.B.Bane Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:29:50 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487634,487634#msg-487634 NNG: Video shows CN train and crew caught in wildfire near Armstrong, Ontario (1 reply) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487634,487634#msg-487634



And here is a July 15, 2026 CTV News article about the video:
‘We’re encased in flames’: Video emerges of train halted in wildfire, union lambasts CN Rail]]> Chris Webster Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:22:44 -0600 https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487616,487616#msg-487616 Alpine Tunnel: The Problem of Clearance (55 replies) https://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,487616,487616#msg-487616 on my blog (also on Substack).
Kurt
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A re-creation of the tunnel size near the west portal station complex]]> Kurt Maechner Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:12:53 -0600