Re: 478 and 476 doublehead out of Durango 1955

Things were pretty exciting in those early years of the D&S. All steam, and multiple trains with scheduled meets along the way. Lots of pressure from management to make those meets on time with no delays. Beside the meet with the Durango bound 116 and the Silverton bound 463 in the early afternoon at Elk Park, the Cascade bound 265 had a meet with the 462 at Home Ranch (as shown in Dicks photo) and the 464 at Pinkerton. The 463 and 265 were inferior trains, so had to clear for the opposing train. This was tricky at Pinkerton due to the steep grade and curves. 265 had to stop, the head brakeman run up and throw the switch for the siding, then get the train in and switch lined back before the arrive of 464. The schedules were tight and it was critical that the Cascade left Durango ON TIME!. Any delay and the opposing trains were delayed and waiting..........not good.

These were great years on the D&S and was glad I was a part of them.