Denver & Rio Grande  

Following a multi-year restoration performed by the Cumbres and Toltec Special Projects Department, Denver & Rio Grande T-12 #168 made her first official passenger run since being retired back in 1938. The locomotive spent the majority of that time on display overlooking the D&RGW train station in Colorado Springs. Following an inquisition and Lease agreement with the city of Colorado Springs, the locomotive was transported to Antonito, Colorado for restoration, and to serve as a special events locomotive for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. (For video footage of the locomotive's loading and ceremonies in Colorado Springs, I invite you to watch NVRRP's video series titled "D&RG Locomotive 168 Departs Colorado Springs'"-available on my channel) In this video, watch as the locomotive is hooked onto it's small passenger train in Antonito during the morning of October 14th, 2019. After K-27 #463 departs with the regularly scheduled Westbound train out of Antonito, #168 pulls ahead for water, then departs for the day's destination of Lava, New Mexico. We race the train into the desert, where the train is stopped to pick up railroad photographers Jerry Day and presumably Thomas Scalf. Finishing my video shooting, the train was then taken to Lava to pick up Rotary OY's water car, and to have a dedication ceremony for various dignitaries representing Colorado Springs and the Cumbres & Toltec. NVRRP extends many thanks to C&TS' Stathi Pappas, along with the many men and women who worked many hours to bring another piece of Colorado history back to life! Rate. Comment. Subscribe. ENJOY!!! Copyright Nick Valdez Railroad Photography 2019.