No. 481

Black and white image of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train, engine #481 with train cars pulling into station. Engine #481 is a historic steam locomotive, part of the K-36 class built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925 for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW). Designed to handle the steep grades and tight curves of the Rocky Mountains, it played a crucial role in transporting freight like minerals, coal, and lumber, vital to Colorado's early 20th-century economy. After the decline of narrow-gauge railroads, Engine #481 was preserved and restored, becoming a key attraction of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR). Today, Engine #481 offers a nostalgic journey through the San Juan Mountains, operating on original 19th-century tracks. It serves as a living history experience, symbolizing the enduring legacy of steam railroading in the American West. As part of the D&SNGRR, the engine also drives tourism in the region, attracting rail enthusiasts and history buffs, while educating passengers about the challenges of railroad development in rugged terrain. Engine #481 is a cherished piece of railroad history, representing the engineering prowess and cultural significance of narrow-gauge railroads in the U.S. This was the last coal-burning locomotive for the railroad, converted to oil burning in March 2024.