Red? That's news to me. When I went there, it was painted similar to Floquil's mud, a very dirty yellow. That's the way that all D&RGW tanks were so far as I know. The SG tender at Arboles is either painted a rust color, or it's just rust.
To travel over the roadbed, take J9. It's all dirt starting at Navajo, and I would advice you to pay attention to the weather preceding your visit. In 1/2002, my Dad and I tried to make it in our Explorer, but due to a fair amount of melted snow, it got to the point where our car was sliding pretty bad, and we had to turn back. If you can't make it from Dulce, drive around to Arboles via Pagosa Springs and turn on the dirt road at Arboles near a boxcar off the highway. That's about as specific as I can get. I'd be happy to hear a report on Pagosa Junction. Earl had heard a rumor that the Utes may be considering scrapping the remains, but I am very skeptical. I have spoken with tribal members and they don't strike me as the "forgot the whites" type that destroyed the SV tank bodies.