Re: 478 and 476 doublehead out of Durango 1955

MD Ramsey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 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.

When I rode the first time in 1982 I recall we met the 481 at Elk Park, now i know why. Exciting times indeed, sounds like each day was a new and different adventure.

William
aka drgwk37