The Durango to Silverton train is the gold standard of tourist trains. I
have taken it at least a half dozen times, beginning when it was still owned
by the DRG&W, including a couple of times in a private car on the end. You
can go one way or round trip, the return is on a bus, which I've only done
once. Don't recommend it as although you get some hair-raising experiences
in high speed bus travel, the train's still worth both directions. There is
a sort of resort along the tracks which can only be reached by train. Don't
know anything about it. There is also a place where you can get dropped off
at a hiking trail. If you decide to take the trip, and it is well worth a
special trip, set aside some more time and take the Chama-Antonito train,
nearby. Jointly owned by New Mexico and Colorado, it is a full day one-way
trip, through more varied scenery.
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Norcutt
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 7:09 PM
To: Olympus Camera Discussion
Subject: Re: [OM] Steam trains running this summer
If you can get to southern Colorado you can take an inexpensive and fun
one-day trip on the narrow guage Durangto-Silverton Train. The train
leaves Durango at 8:45, arrives in Silvertion at 12:15, Leaves Silverton
to return to Durango at 2:30 and gets back at 6:00pm. You can have
lunch in Silverton and look around this old mining town which is often
used for western movies. Price is about $90 for adults, kids 4-11 are
about 1/2 price and under 4 are free. This train is also a working
transportation train for folks who live in the mountains or go to
hunting camps, etc. The train may stop to pick up or drop off
passengers in the middle of the woods. It also stops for water at the
creek. I was initially hesitant to spend the money but it was well worth
it. <http://www.durangotrain.com/ride-us>
I took over 500 images for the day but have never processed a single one.
Chuck Norcutt
On 7/9/2013 7:04 PM, Bill Pearce wrote:
> No bean counters, all volunteers, all happy to run when and where they
> can.
> Still think it's too many lawyers. Rails no concern, the BNSF transcon
> main
> is some of the best track anywhere. It has run over it, operating special
> trains for employees. Insurance can be an issue, but others have
> successfully dealt with it. But remember, lawyers only think in terms of
> what ever the worst that can happen is, it always happens.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Braun
> Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 5:52 PM
> To: Olympus Camera Discussion
> Subject: Re: [OM] Steam trains running this summer
>
> On 7/9/13, Bill Pearce <billcpearce@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>> 1. Not too big a thing as most track roadbeds and bridges have been
>> around
>> long enough to see this locomotive and her sisters for many years.
>> 2. Not that big a difference in brakes. Despite continuing research,
>> brakes
>>
>> remain strikingly similar to ones 50 years ago.
>> 3. Where? Don't think that's true in the US.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Ken Norton
>>>
>> A couple (or more) thoughts come to mind:
>>
>> 1. Possible weight concerns
>> 2. Modern brake systems
>> 3. Desired rail segment does not have all the crossings gated. (a
>> requirement for passenger rail).
>>
>>
> Weight may be part of the issue. Depends on the rails in the section
> they want to run on. Some of it may have been re-laid with
> light-guage rail if it's only used sporadically with smaller trains.
> A big steamer is a lot of weight, and even worse, when the connecting
> rods come down, they pound the rails through the wheels. If the track
> isn't up to it, the pounding can cause failure.
>
> Modern brake systems may not be the concern, since, as has been
> pointed out, they really haven't changed much. However, what could be
> a bigger concern is a lack of modern electronics. Current diesel
> locos are equipped with modern communications and signalling
> equipment, which is why you'll often see a diesel coupled behind the
> tender - the steam engine is for the pretty and to pull the train, the
> diesel is along for the ride, possibly to supply electricity to the
> cars, and to interface with the signalling system along the route.
>
> As far as the unguarded crossings - shouldn't be any different than a
> regular revenue freight.
>
> Most likely, the culprit is bean counters. Those suckers are
> expensive to maintain and run, and they may not want to spend the
> money. And when you're hauling live people, the insurance costs
> skyrocket.
>
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