315 maintenance and operations

315 is owned by the Durango Railroad Historical Society. There is a crew of 10 people that maintain the engine and act as the firemen. The C&TS provides the engineer when we operate. The C&TS will be 315’s home through the end of the 2022 season. The RR has agreed to perform much of the 1472 day inspection the winter of 2021-22. Over the next two years DRHS will be raising the funds to complete her 1472 day inspection.

We have a great working relationship with the RR. Thanks to the four C&TS Commissioners, John Bush, Stathi Pappas, Ed Beaudette, Glen Avery, Russ Fischer and all the other people of the C&TS that make it possible for DRHS to share 315.

During the week of April 29 the DRHS crew performed the annual inspection on 315 in Chama to prepare her for this operating season. Then a few days before opening day we re-installed all the freezable hardware and got her ready for the season. She will be in Chama on display most of the summer.

During the renovation of the Silverton Northern enginehouse over the next few years the C&TS has invited 315 to stay and operate on the RR. Revenue from operations go to fund DRHS operating expenses and help put some funds aside for her 1472 day inspection.

Scott Gibbs