The Last Ever Coal Powered Train From Durango Colorado
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 3 фев 2025
- It’s a somber day in the San Juan Mountains in La Plata County on March 23rd, 2024 as we find ourselves in Durango Colorado in the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad yard.
For 139 years, the railroad had been powered by coal-fired steam locomotives until after it began converting its locomotives from coal to oil fire to help mitigate the chances of fire ignition after the 416 wildfire was started near the trackside, possibly from a passing train, whether from the locomotive or a passenger’s carelessly thrown cigarette. One by one, the steam locomotives turned from burning the bituminous rock to recycled waste oil.
Due to the changing climate and long-term drought in the intermountain west, a few of the other tourist railroads in the west such as Grand Canyon Railway, Heber Valley, Cumbres and Toltec have done to prevent fires
We start at the Durango depot where we witness the crews of the D&SNG taking one last photo with the gallant old lady before she shoves off across Sixth Street and points north. We’ll follow the dirt burner as the fireman takes old C.W. McCall’s advice and is shovelin’ coal up from Durango. Up through the Hermosa Valley carved by glaciers, we ramble on past a ranch/farm near Trimble Hot Springs (sorry, “Durango Hot Springs”). From Hermosa we climb up the ruling Hermosa Hill, a two-and-one-half percent grade to Rockwood where we'll perch ourselves on the rock above Shalona (My Sharona?, no, My, My, My Shalona...) Lake where we witness this final, historic moment. We then venture through the cut that Robert Redford jumped off of onto the Union Pacific's 'Overland Flyer' in 1969's 'Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid' to the final coal burner to ever tiptoe over the world-famous Horseshoe Curve (this one has more photos take of it than that trivial one back east on the Pennsylvania Railroad / Conrail / Norfolk Southern whatever it is now,, and that's a fact, jack!). We drone over this famous last train as it heads around the horn with a mournful whistle.
We follow as it Rolls along past houses, farms, and fields, but this is not the City of New Orleans by Amtrak or the Illinois Central. and we witness the final train rolling into the Durango Yard. We'll watch as the locomotive hostlers shake the coal and ashes from the ashpan for the final time and 481 rolls into the stall of the roundhouse to begin her 'Rebirth of a Locomotive', well, into an oil-burner.
There is no distant signal, so we're not delay in block, nor no commuter trains to be a coasterfan for, you can be an amtrakguy, but this is all narrow gauge, so at least we have a yard limit on this line.
Amazing video! What a beautiful tribute to such a significant day in the D&S history books. Though the era of coal will surely be missed by us enthusiasts, I’m happy to see that the D&S is able to adapt to meet the needs of the modern day. The fact that the railroad has the ability to run a full fleet of historic steam locomotives is incredible, regardless of what fuel they burn. I’m just glad I got to work on the railroad when I did so I could learn the art of coal-firing!
Well said!
The "era of coal" is not over for the C&TS thankfully
@@zebrashark23 No Demonizing Oil Burners.
At very least, things like the upcoming game Century of Steam may help show future generations what that coal firing was like 🙂
The fireman knows his stuff, she's burning white smoke.
I rode the DSNGRR, behind a coal burning steam locomotive, in 1986. I will be riding it again in July, 2024, on my 80th birthday, but never again behind a coal burner. A sad day. And I am close to tears. 481 has a lovely whistle.
From whats been discussed around the Narrow Gauge Railroad community, #481 now wears the Rio Grande 5 Chime from its sister #486
Hey, the good thing about oil-burning steam locomotives vs. coal-burning locos is, when I was a child, I was constantly getting 'klinkers' (child term) in my eyes but with oil-burners, this doesn't happen. This would definitely be better. As for the smell of coal smoke, don't know how to compensate that because oil smoke does not smell the same of course.
At least all the same sights and sounds of a steam locomotive that makes it attractive remain with burning fuel oil.
Rode the line behind 481 in 1978. Will never forget it.
March 23. 2 friends in different circles passed away though years apart. Miss them
If we've learned anything in the world of steam preservation, what seems like the end today might be a new beginning in the future.
Can always convert them back if oil gets too dear one day, or even to something else like bio-fuel. Lovely thing about steam is so long as it'll burn, it can and has been chucked into the firebox to make steam.
The converted them because of the risk of fires not because of cost though you are right if the risk diminishes enough and we find a way to create bio coal that is efficient enough then yes I can see them being converted back to coal burning
Also, as altitude goes up Diesel needs a supercharger or produces less power but water gets EASIER to boil so steam dont care.
This event to me, though it is the end of an era, is a reminder that sacrifices need to be made to keep steam around for future generations. Regardless of what kind of fuel it burns, steam will still be steam, and that fact will never change. Excellent video, Big Diehl.
Future generations won't care if it's pulled by a diesel or a hi-rail truck for that matter. They will only care if there is fast internet on the train.
@@zebrashark23 THIS ^^^ (I am thoroughly sick of today's generation and their trends & ways of thinking)
@@ivanthevaluable2559 I'm from this generation and I agree.
@@zebrashark23 Not necessarily. There are many of us "young folk" who care about this history, and want to see it live on. Even those who could "care less" about trains are likely to find a thrill in riding behind a real steam locomotive. The only way they will care is if we show it to them firsthand.
@@ivanthevaluable2559Well we hate you too, saying all of us is the problem when we really arent all like that.
Feeling many melancholy emotions as I watch your video. Sadness, anger and frustration for sure.
As a Pennsylvanian, it's hard to imagine not seeing steam powered by coal. The art of the fireman dies with oil conversion in many ways. Personally will always prefer hand bombing any day over working an atomizer lever.
Thanks much for bringing us this historic video. For all who love coal fired locomotives it's a very sad day.
Our environment is not the same as Pennsylvania’s though. Where Durango and Cumbres run are essentially a “desert with pine trees” and the build up of fuels is becoming a problem.
I understand that. Just a shame that none of the state officials are taking proactive measures to control burn said combustible fuels.
I've seen diesels set just as many brush fires as steam back east here. Heck, we sometimes set fires running brake applications on freight. There's only so much care you can enact as a railroad, but I know they're terrified of getting shut down for starting one.
Just a sad day all around. Kudos to the railroad for doing what they've got to do though.
In Germany they're experimenting the idea of substituting coal with industrial wood pellets: they burns cleaner, without ashes, have an higher heating coeficient and doesn't require huge changes to the locomotive furnace, it just need a grid with thinner holes to prevent pellets to fall down
Thank you for making this wonderful video of the last trip of a grand old lady 481. My grandfather worked in a round house for the Reading RR and when I was born most all trains were steam coal powered. I had tears in my eyes as 481 started on her last coal powered trip... About 20 years ago I was in Durango and Silverton but did not stop to take the ride, but if ZI had I would have wanted it to be powered by 481. Now it will be as if she will have a partial abortion, but her live will be renewed, and she will have many more years to make that proud trip thru the canyon. Yes, every time she sounded the whistle tears came back.
My grandparents took me to Colorado back in 1998 for vacation. One of best memories I have is the trip from Durango to Silverton. The rumble of the engine and air horn gave me chills. It was a coal engine and cars just like this. I remember hanging my head out of those windows smelling the fresh burned coal and those little specs of coal hitting my face. Looking over the mountain side and being mesmerized by the clear turquoise water cutting through the rocks. Getting to Silverton was like stepping back a a few decades. One of the best meals I’ve ever had was a steak there. I can think back on this day and remember every detail. It was one of the best days of my childhood.
Sad day, indeed. Will miss that classic coal-fire smell, but won't miss the cinders in my eye!
This was once of the best videos of the D&SNGRR ever done. Thank you!
I'm glad you got to enjoy the sender in your eyes. cuz a lot of Americans haven't gotten a chance to be behind such a beautiful engine that actually uses real coal
The sad part is,you will never smell coal again
One of the great memories I have of New Hampshire's Cog Railway is the smell of the coal-burners. It added so much to the experience.
Plenty of coal burning trains here in PA
The Colorado Railroad Museum operates coal fired locomotives as of now. Besides, even though the coal fired trains are gone, they will still be steam locomotives coal or no coal.
@swamppy4880, if it means keeping the forest alive and not a moonscape, it's worth it.
@@Big_Diehllakeside amusement park still operates they're coal fire train three of them they got them and I'm going to work there this summer running the trains and pushing to make sure they stay operational
It is very sad, I think my Grandfather, C,W Middleton of the D&RG(retired boiler maker) did service work on this grand ol locomotive at the Denver shop.
There's nothing like smell of a coal fired engine. Like so many things from our past, another is pushed into history never to be experienced by generations present and future.
I will hold tight to the memories of riding that train as a young man and into adult hood. She was a beautiful daughter of the D&RG.
It's very sad isn't it? It's not just the smell, but the sight, the sound, and other things like watching the glow of the fire when the firebox doors open and the fireman shovels in a scoop. The future generations will never experience the authenticity of those locomotives.
The tone of voice, the atmosphere, the circumstances, and especially that final whistle going into the roundhouse... wonderful video, very somber and reminds us to appreciate things while we still have them. Here's to the future and the continuance of steam 🤙
Well... The tone of the voice, part of that was trying not to wake up Zephyr in the other room... lol!
15:08 man, that gave me some fucking goosebumps right there. Like the last call of a now bygone era
Love your work Big Diehl as I wanted to do what you are doing back in 1990s when I bought land outside of Durango so I could spend my retirement years photographing these wonderful trains. Your videos are by far some of the best I seen and I applaud you for the time and effort it takes to make these videos. It requires a lot of planning and hiking with equipment hoping the light works that day. Great sound capture with what it does sound like echoing off the canyon walls.
End of a wonderful, magnificent era Such a loss.Wonderful videoKeep up the great work Big Diehl!
Thanks for this Big Diehl. Your productions are among best out there.
I've got a picture of C.W. McCall standing on the back of that train as it rolled in the station back in 77 or 78. Thanks for sharing this video. You did a fantastic job.
Road on the 481 train in 1988, This video was a fantastic tribute to Steam, and reminded me the Durango and Silverton was much more than a tourist attraction Thank you.
Oh sad 😢 we wish we would have gotten to ride on it. My in-laws rode on it a few years back and really enjoyed it. Great work my friend
Great video.
Whatever makes heat for the boiler is fine with me. Oil, CNG/LNG, or whatever makes most economical sense to keep these locomotives running.
I am so glad my wife and I got to ride the coal engines up to Sliverton.
Same here. Wife has since passed away. Loved the trip
It's a shame knowing that coal operations have now ended at D&S. It's a shame, but knowing it lasted this long is what matters and many people got to witness it when they could. While I wish I was one of those people, I have been fortunate to experience it at C&T.
I can’t see the coal burners either when I can make a trip (can’t make it to the C&T) to the railroad. Sadly with the 416 fire the D&S doesn’t really have a choice. The D&RGW would absolutely have converted to oil if their coal supply had dried up, so I’m personally not getting bent out of shape about it like a lot of other people are.
@@Stooltoad5017 Same. It's a shame, but this was likely gonna happen even if the fire didn't happen.
Be thankful that the D&S is still going after the D&RG started in 1881 from Durango to Silverton without going through abandonment. Except for occasional weather shutdowns, this line has been in continual operation since construction in 1881.
@@royreynolds108 ik
I never witnessed it
Stellar work. The Trimble shot at 7:38 was great!
Rode her when I was a young boy in the 70's I'm in my 50's now this adventure got me interested in trains for life plus all the years my grandfather worked for the D&RG..... many, many memories!!!!
Beautiful Durango! I will never forget our ride, hearing that train whistle echo through the canyon. I still have lots of pictures but the experience is embedded in my memory. Especially the gawd-awful uncomfortable seats. 😂 The end of an era, but the ride isn’t over yet😊
Wonderful video, thank you for covering this last coal fired trip!
I rode these trains several times in the 1970’s and 1980’s when still operated by the D&RGW RR. I’ll never forget the particular smell of coal smoke and the fine cinders that would accumulate on the outdoor platforms between the cars during the trip - especially those near the front of the train. Love Colorado narrow gauge steam railroading! Thanks for this beautiful video, it brings back those happy experiences as I remember - can almost smell the coal smoke now! ❤
Did this bring back memories! My sports car club, the Miata Club of Minnesota, visited beautiful Durango in June of 2013, and our group had the pleasure of riding the coaches and open air cars behind Steamer 281 to Silverton and back. To experience this history, what a gift. Thank you D&S.
I was in tears by the end of the video. 481 towed my folks and I up to Silverton in the later 80s. There's a picture of me and my mom standing next to it. I glad it's at least being converted and not ceasing. Thank you so much for this episode.
It’s one of my favorites also, I had a poster with it so it was burned into my brain with its 1980’s look like it has right now. I’ll miss certain aspects of coal, the smells, the tradition. But I won’t miss the fires here or on Cumbres, or the cinders and soot…
@@Big_Diehl Thanks William for your reply. Your photography is outstanding and the way you were able to preplan all the shots as the train goes to place of accessibility and the drone footage was amazing. Bravo!
An incredible documentary of stellar work!
Rode behind 481 in 2011 and we are part of the old generation of passengers & I look forward to return and ride again!
And still goes the Silverton, up from Durango. Although today not Shoveling coal. There goes the Silverton up through the canyon. See the smoke and hear the whistle blow.
Mr. Diehl; Having lived in Durango from 78 to 85, the train was always near and dear to me. In my many summer trips back to Durango from OKC, seeing and following the train was always at the top of my list of things to do. My favorite place was always Rockwood! We would always walk out through what I called the "Rockwood cut" and out towards the highline was a favorite place for pics and videos, of which I have many! Your video was wonderful. The drone vids were the best! Thank you for such a wonderful video Mr. Diehl. D&S NGRR forever!!!
A big thank you for this video and for the history it represents
Hey !!! Well ,,, Thanks for the "ADVENTURE"" & waiting to see what else you come up with for sure !! 🤠😎👍👍👍👍👍
This was originally supposed to be part of a completely separate video… That video so far unedited near two hours long… Obviously, it will be cut down🤣🤣
Great captures of 481’s last coal burning day! I’m a little sad that the coal will be gone for good from now on, marking the end of the classic coal burning era, but I’m just glad these locomotives still operate. Also, I love that 5 chime on 481. I used to think it was 486’s whistle, but I’ve since changed my mind because it sounds a bit…different from 86’s to say the least. Anyway, it’s a fantastic video covering 481! Great job Big Diehl!
Also ignore what I said about the whistle, it’s likely 486’s 5 chime with the bell rotated (at least that’s what a friend told me).
Great video. Thanks!
Beautiful footage. It’s great they allowed access to the yard/roundhouse for filming also.
This is a very powerful production, Big Diehl. Thank you for this.
Most Excellent documentary of the last run of a coal fired locomotive on the D&S. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for the end of this chapter, Thanks for providing this video. It was a Big Diehl!
I loved your video so much, this was incredible, it transforms the viewer to another place and time. As I understand it, one of the main reasons the Durango Silverton converted their steam locomotives to oil burning was due to forest fire risks from red hot coal cinders causing fires thus risking harm to the environment. It makes sense. When UP restored and converted Big Boy #4014 to oil burning, this was actually nothing new as a couple of them were converted way back in the day so they could travel to further locations where coal would not be as available. I believe that is one of the reasons of the modern conversion of 4014. It makes sense to make it be capable of travel across the USA.
Was in Durango that day. Took the train the day before. Pretty awesome to see the crew on video.
I've been fascinated by 481 ever since the 80's... We all knew it was coming, of course. But still a somber moment all the same.
I am travelling 5000 miles to visit this railroad in a few months. Its going to be great visiting one of the USA's premier steam railroads. 👍
You’ll love it!
Hello Big Diehl, a great video from the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railway. Yes, it is a shame that coal firing in steam locomotives is increasingly being replaced by oil firing. There is no longer the smell of coal and steam. And an era that is over 100 years old is coming to an end. Thanks for the excellent video and have a happy Easter. Best regards from Germany. Wolfgang
a great summary with a marvelous landscape
481 is my favorite locomotive on the Durango and Silverton.
Same here but is everything alright with her?
great work as always!
The D&S was one major fire away from closing permanently. Coal is nice but not at the expense of fines and closers.
Great tribute ❤
great video, sad the end of coal though, the smell adds so much.
Think I am still getting cinders out of my eyes after my ride in ‘82. Great video.
My thought too of my ride.
This to me is sad,I wanted to go here for at least 4 years.But because of circumstances I could not,Well I still will go soon.
Come on over, it's a beautiful journey behind a steam locomotive built for this line.
Such a great thing preserving these power for future generations
I remember taking a ride on that train while on vacation. The smell of coal smoke was delightful, and brought back childhood memories from the 50s when I visited my Grandfather in Crewe, VA. (another railroad town). I am glad I got to ride on the D&S if only one time.
Toller Film schade habe jahrelang aus Deutschland nicht nur die tollen Dampflokomotiven sondern auch die tolle Landschaft immer wieder bewundert.
I have fond memories as a kid in the 60's of riding Durango to Silverton as well as the Cumbres & Toltec from Chama NM to Antonito CO. It's lamentable to lose the old coal engines but it's not hard to understand given the huge, dangerous fires of the last few decades. The 416 was scary but and the one that burned all the way to Vallecito was apocalyptic. Great video!!
Beautiful video of a beautiful railroad. Also loved the Amazing Grace sound track one of my favourite hymns. God bless
I just say however you have to heat the water, do it. Heck even Big Boy uses oil. It sucks shoveling coal all day long...makes your back hurt. No more filthy coal dust to deal with. Oil is just hydrocarbon in a different form. As far as the engine is concerned, give it steam and she'll keep right on pulling and won't even know the difference. It's cleaner overall and a small price to pay to keep steam rolling!
It truly saddens me to see such, a beautiful work of art, in a very beautiful machine!, that won the West!, is conquered the landscape, rise to what we have today!, so many of these machines have been destroyed for stupid reasons!, The trains we have today don't compare to the awesome amount of power the steam has, if you go up into the mountain areas You'll Always find a steam engine pulling a diesel!!, I love collecting these old things!!
Come on here to Durango and you can still see and ride the trains pulled by steam!
So she is going to be around still because I hope she will, being a beautiful steam locomotive that deserves to stick around for people to enjoy seeing and watching her ride the rails for years to come. I am a fan of steam locomotives seeing them makes me a happy bunny and brings a smile to my face.
Yes, the steam locomotives will still be around running.
@chooch1764 Thank you for your reply
👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍😍😍😍😍Thank you all for the video AND heavy hard work to keep AMERICAN HERITAGE ALIVE for all these years!!!
I love this Duranco train ride. I feel it is important. I got Toltec pass ride also. Business as ususal. I love the land. Not stopping Silverton& Durango will continue.
I’m heart broken 💔 that I wasn’t on that last coal fired ride! I wish I had known it was taking place, I would have been there!
End of an era! !
I love all this trains. Anything needed let the Big Boss know. it will continue
My first ride on the train was back in 1970. Since then I been back on it twice. Last time I rode was October 2, 2020
Fantastic scenery, wonderful video, Thank you
Oh! The feels. I'm glad my old friends will get to become even older.
This is so sad for me rode that train in I believe 1974 with my namesake grand parents to Silverton I also lived on Durango in 1993 end of an Era for sure
End of an era!
Was able to ride. Was pretty melancholy just snacking on imitation crab meat I'd brought as a snack, and participating in the last ride.
Well very sad and yet it’s the end of an era that spans almost 150 years of coal operations. Coal fired steam locomotives on the Durango and Silverton narrow gauge Railroad will be truly missed
Fantastic video. Thank you !
Sad day, but what a beautiful video. Well done!
That train whistle sounded so good.
the fireman's job just got a lot easier and the air will be cleaner.
I'd bet sooner or later all of the operating steam locomotives will switch over. Big Boy already does, and the under construction PRR T1 wiil also.
Exactly... Between access to fuel, loading said fuel, worrying about fires, disposal of ash, it's amazing we still have what we have currently.
I remember the round trip we took to silverton 50 years ago. Got a cinder in my eye.
Such a satisfying video. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good presentation of an historic moment in DSNGR history... and to think my old studio of 20th Century-Fox and HOLLYWOOD itself played a big part in seeing that the old Denver & Rio Grande line could live-on with tourism that movies helped inspire...
It's also thanks to scores of RUclipsrs and dedicated fans like Big Diehl, that show their love for the best scenic railroad in the world, and my 2020 full-length documentary salute was the result of both entities, highlighted by the music of the great HOLLYWOOD composers and recording artists.
Owner Al Harper is simply blessed to have amazingly skilled and equally dedicated talent working for him... but personally I still miss the old coal and wood burners, just don't like the "outhouse" tender profile of the oil burners, they're not the same photogenically... but it had to be!
I rode 480 way back in July of 2011, but still have some video I shot in Silverton of 481 departing. At one stop I saw a large chunk of coal on the ground beside the train, so I asked one of the stewards if I could hop off really quick and grab it. Instead the steward did the hopping and grabbing for me. I still have it sitting on a bookshelf behind me.
I rode this train when I was a young kid and remember the piles of coal outside the train. I had never seen an actual pile of coal before. But most memorable of the trip was being between cars on the journey and getting coal cinders in my eyes. Now people will not experience the extreme pollution.
Great job sir
There is something surreal about a modern mcdonalds next to an active 100+ year old steam engine.
But it's quite handy when you get burned out on bagels and just need to squash that Egg McMuffin craving... I got a deal through the app for one and two hashbrowns the other day... my total was 4.76... an omen! lol.
@@Big_Diehl I mean you aren't wrong. Greasy burger and fries is good. or a big breakfast for the pancakes and eggs.
I road the Durango Silverton on a family vacation in the late 1960's. Making the grade you can hear the engine saying "I know I can, I know I can". Someday I hope to ride those rails again. I will be different without the coal cinders.
Memories. I've been on the D&S train twice in my lifetime. Once as a kid with my parents and brother, once as a father with my own wife and two children. It's sad to see the last of the steam trains there go, but given the impact of climate change and wildfires, it's a good idea.
The steam trains aren’t being retired. The locomotives are being converted to burn oil.
@stuartdollar9912, as @chooch1764 just said, the steam trains aren't going anywhere.
My dad used to say “Burn that coal & burn it hot!” 🔥
Sad time for sure. But with the conversion it will have many more years of service.
if y'all ever get a chance try and catch Big Boy Train another Steam Powered Train
I've seen that train and when I saw the Black smoke I thought that their was a fire near them
It could always be worse. They COULD be retiring all the steam on the railroad. They COULD shut the railroad down. They COULD scrap them. Converting them all really isnt as big of a deal as everyone is making it out to be. Some people seem to think scrapping woould be better.
Well done video for an important event.
Great video👍
Well I'm glad to have taken 2 trips on the narrow gauge railway .... when they were coal fired. Got to be a part of the history.
Great video!
Great video. Were you drinking when you wrote the last little 3 line paragraph of your narrative? In any event, the video is awesome, and it took a huge amount of audio, filming, research, and editing skill as well as a huge amount of time to produce it. Cannot thank you enough. I have ridden this train every couple of years for decades and know it pretty well. You nailed it.
No alcohol involved... Been sober since the last D&S photo special. This probably was a sleep deprivation writing as I wrote it at about 00:30 on Tuesday morning after a nearly 12-hour shift at work. With the running back and forth to Durango and crashing on friend's couches and things at work, sleep was not quite where it would normally be. Not the worst thing I did lately when it came to writing, I sent a bad caption to a magazine for a photo of the 481 that had to be re-written after it was formulated after a 16-hour shift.
I’m glad she’s been back out on the line, it was very sad to see her sitting there behind the shed with trash bags over parts when I was able to visit in September. 486 was still in the museum then too, have they begun the conversion on her yet? I assume she will be after 481 and 478 if not but there is still hope as her being a coal burner for now
You won’t see 481 parked in the deadline anymore. She would live there for the summer because she was a coal burner, she could only be used in winter, but once she’s converted to oil she’ll be ready to run all year round.
She sounded so sad at the end when she pulled into the round house 😞
I looked at it as she’s finally relived she can go run with her sisters again to Silverton. It’s been 5 years since it could go.
So sad to watch. I'm glad it will run again but we've lost some history with the coal fired engines.
...is everyone really that sad that these locomotives aren't burning coal anymore? Coal or oil, a steam loco is a steam loco. Be glad these engines are still running regardless of the fuel source.