DURANGO, Colo. — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has completed the restoration of a K-37 2-8-2, the largest type of locomotive to ever run on the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s famed narrow gauge route.
On Jan. 24, D&SNG crews fired up No. 493 after an extensive restoration that saw it converted from being a coal-burning locomotive to an oil burner. The railroad made the decision to convert one of its former Rio Grande Mikados from coal to oil following a wildfire that closed the railroad for more than a month in 2018 [See: “Durango & Silverton looks to oil firing, diesels,” Trains News Wire, July 13, 2018].
During the initial test, the locomotive ran around the Durango yard. Railroad officials say additional testing will be performed in the future. The railroad plans on using the locomotive on trips to Cascade Canyon and Silverton this year along with its coal-burning locomotives. The locomotive will likely become the primary motive power for the railroad when dry conditions are present in the San Juan National Forest.
No. 493 last ran in 1968 and in recent years had been on display in Silverton. The D&SNG last ran a K-37, No. 497, in the 1980s, but later traded it to the nearby Cumbres & Toltec Scenic for a smaller K-36. One other K-37, No. 491, is also running at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
