473

473 is also my favorite, mainly because it was at the point of the first narrow guage train (actually the first train of any kind) that I rode. It was also my first visit to the Durango/Silverton area, which made it more of an adventure. This was June of 1970, I was 12, and I was immediately hooked. We stayed in a cabin for a week just south of Vallecito Reservoir at "Coolwater Ranch". The combination of beautiful scenery, fresh air, lots of fishing & hiking on the Pine river, and the smell of creosote & coal smoke along the Animas combined to give this wide eyed 12 year old the summer vacation of his life!!
The unique and intriguing appearance of the 470's also drew my attention. Plus I had never seen an outside frame locomotive before. Until then I had been more interested in diesels. I remember seeing other dead locos there in 1970. Specifically I remember the 481 and the 497 and wondering if they would ever run again. I also seem to recall another forlorn looking locomotive in the yard as we came around the loop, but I have no picture due to the fact I was out of film. I believe it was the 464, if it was still there in 1970. If I'd have known then what I know now, I would have had a lot more film on hand........