The morning is alive with the bustle of activity. Train number 461, the "Mixed Silverton", is departing Durango, Colorado behind engine 475. The "Mixed Silverton" will travel north from Durango and into the San Juan Mountains eventually reaching the mining town of Silverton, Colorado. The distance traveled will be 45 miles. Meanwhile, engine number 375, is performing switching services on one of Durango’s numerous yard tracks. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad is in charge of this scene from the 1940’s. The activity is evidence of the once great empire of narrow gauge railroads in Southwestern United States.

Marc Desobeau – Copyright 2001