DonVA Loc: British Columbia and New Mexico

Many who frequent a section called trains will be familiar with the Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad. It was built in 1882 as part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western system and in it's 45 miles it climbs almost 2800 feet into the San Juan mountains of Colorado where silver was mined.
Today silver is still mined there, not from the rock of the mountains, but from the pockets of the thousands of tourists that that ride the swaying and lurching rail cars through some of the most beautiful scenery in America.
This engine, #486, is a 2-8-2 Baldwin that has been on the job since 1925. Because it was built for narrow Guage the wheels are inside the frame giving it and it's siblings an unusual appearance for a steam engine.
Here it is waiting patiently during its layover in Silverton while its passengers explore the town and while it's engineer climbs with rag in hand to keep it looking it's best.
This was shot with a Canon 7d and post done on an Android tablet with Snapseed. This is a remarkable free program that has some filters that I have found nowhere else.

(Download)

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

Love this shot !

GrayGhost

beautiful. Thanks for sharing
73
GG

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Well captured, Don!!!!
Pat

OneShot1 Loc: Wichita, KS, USA

Love it!

DonVA Loc: British Columbia and New Mexico

Thanks to all for the kind words.

radiomantom Loc: Plymouth Indiana

This is one of the best steam trips for sure in America. a must do for any rail enthusyist

DonVA Loc: British Columbia and New Mexico

Absolutely, one of the best. Another is the Cumbres and Toltec, which also runs on former D&RGW track and also uses former D&RGW equipment.
Both are keeping steam alive.

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Excellent! I love the narrow gage trains we have in Colorado.