Re: How did the 268 get back to Gunnison?

Engine 268 was the star of the movie. She was brought from Salida to Alamosa on standard gauge flat car. She was reequipped with a diamond stack, fake pilot, and one of her air pumps removed to create the look of an 1880s locomotive. In addition to acting as the star, 268 hauled the movie personnel and equipment from Rockwood siding to the filming site each day.

Following completion of the filming, 268 was hauled back to Salida on a standard gauge flat and arrived in Gunnison on October 5, 1951. The motion picture people considered purchasing some equipment including either 268 or 278, but nothing ever came of the idea.

While 268 was being a movie star in Denver, engine 278 was taken out of storage on April 19, 1951 for use on runs to Sapinero. 268 came back to Gunnison on May 28 with a straight stack and her normal headlight but still wearing the yellow paint scheme and brass boiler bands. 278 was returned to storage where she remained until September of 1952.