The day of the "Grande" Finale had finally arrived. We started this trip with a moonlight ride to Osier and we were ending on the opposite end of the old San Juan Extension with the Fall Photographer's Special on the Silverton Branch. We arrived at the Durango depot shortly after dawn. It was, of course, quite cold. But that good D&S coffee warmed us right up!

Please let me know if you find mistakes - RioGrandeDude  @ SmittysHouse.net

Special thanks to D&SNGRR Fireman Jon Walden for some of the information on this page.

The first half of the trip was a straight shot (no stops) up to Silverton. The plan

was to get up there, turn around, and head south to meet Trains 461 and

463 at Elk Park. This arrangement was also supposed to give us the best

light in the Animas River Canyon for the photo stops on the way back.

Cascade Wye

At MP 496.15 the train dropped us off on the south side

of the Animas and continued on to the Silverton Wye.

Sure got quiet...

Narrow Gauge Ingenuity

Michele's photo                               My photo

Teamwork!!

Looking south, north

of Elk Park

Extra 478 South heads to Elk Park siding

to clear the main for Train 461.

It got quiet for about 30 minutes so Yvonne (Boxcar Betty) hiked south to Elk Park Siding to check on the situation. I don't remember what the issue was, but Train 461 came through about 15 minutes later.

461 heads for Silverton

While waiting for our train to back up and get us, I got a photo of the best gal anyone could ask for!

461's fire patrol

After picking us up, our train pulled back into Elk Park Siding to wait for Train 463. I was busy getting lunch for Michele and me and missed that 463 was coming. My email pen-pal, and D&S Fireman, Jon Walden was scheduled to be on this train. So, when I heard the whistle I jumped up, quickly handed my lunch to Michele, grabbed the cameras, and raced to get set up in the few seconds I had until 463 arrived.

Jon Walden

Conductor Dan Bartch gives Train 463

a roll-by on her way to Silverton.

At MP 489.85 we did a run-by. These first shots were taken using the old DRGW through-truss bridge as a frame.

This "new" deck-plate bridge...

...replaced the old bridge, built in 1884, in 1964.

MP 484.4

Our next stop was the original Needleton Tank.

This tank has been superseded by a tank just north of here.

Remnants of one of the 2 landslides the D&S

suffered this year.

Needleton Siding - MP 484

MP 479

Chief Engineer Steve Otten

Bitter Root Mine - MP 479.9

Our crew, left to right:

Brakeman Dean Guinn

Attendant Dot Bodiroga

Conductor Dan Bartch

Fireman Jarrett Ireland

Engineer Steve Otten

Brakeman Eric Dixon.

The Crew & Volunteers

Tacoma Siding

I have heard these old cars may finally get some TLC soon.

Replica of the Tacoma "Depot"

Crossing the High Bridge

Brakeman Dean Guinn

Our first photo op on the High Line

A new wye is being constructed at MP 456.85 to turn the Polar Express trains.

We arrived at the Durango Depot about an hour from dusk. The light was fantastic! But, for once I left the camera in the bag and just enjoyed it. It was a fitting end to an absolutely fantastic trip... enough memories for a lifetime.

We got some chow at Applebee's and went back to the hotel early to begin packing for the trip home. As we were leaving the Applebee's parking lot, Train 462 arrived. What was a routine, everyday event in Durango struck me as utterly amazing. I don't think I'll ever take for granted the sight of a steam powered narrow gauge train pulling into town amid all the trappings of the 21st century.

Simply amazing...