Steam & Excursion > Back in Business!

As noted elsewhere, full operations resumed this morning on the Durango & Silverton. K36 481 did the honors on the first 10-car train. This was followed up by a 14-car K28 476/473 doubleheader. So it seems that there was plenty of pent-up demand for the train. 

It's great to have steam back after a difficult period. 

1) 481 hits Hermosa hill shortly after crossing CO 550
2) Among the precautions is this helicopter carrying a water bucket
3) Pouring it on approaching Shalona Crossing on CO 250. Note that the right of way has been swept clean and a fire truck is strategically stationed along the track.


 



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/12/18 11:19 by LJGross.

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4) After a pause at Hermosa Tank to couple on helper 476, the duo hits the hill with 14 cars in tow.
5) The classic pose as the train passes under CO 550 halfway up the hill.
6) Approaching Shalona Crossing under clear stacks.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/12/18 11:19 by LJGross.

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Excellent shots, great coverage, nice to see them running again though the smoke plume is going to bring out
the naysayers.

Out

The smoke plume is beautiful. If the naysayers and environmentalists don't like it, don't ride.  

Does the RR pay for the chopper?   That can't be cheap.

andersonb109 Wrote:
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> The smoke plume is beautiful. If the naysayers and
> environmentalists don't like it, don't ride.  

The smoke plume is unnecessary. I think you underestimate the pull those "Naysayers" and "Environmentalist" have with local politicians.

-Regards,

Dave

The plume is, indeed, beautiful.  Whether people like it or not.  The positive economic effect that the railroad has on the region FAR outweighs the risk of disaster.  I live in a brushfire and earthquake zone and have insurance to protect me from losses.   What we own and posess is just stuff, and the lion's share of it can be replaced.  

Life is about choices and no one is guaranteed happiness, just the opportunity to acheive it.  If one's idea of happiness is living in or around Durango, for whatever reason, you pay your money and you take your choice.  The railroad was there long before any of the current residents.  You live with the consequences of your decisions.

-John

Great coverage! Congrats on th IOTD! Reminds me of the cinders in my hair after the journey.

BB

Nice!  Congratulations on IOTD.

callum_out Wrote:
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> Excellent shots, great coverage, nice to see them
> running again though the smoke plume is going to
> bring out
> the naysayers.
>
> Out

The naysayers are local, and they vote.

Posted from Android

Tominde Wrote:
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> Does the RR pay for the chopper?   That can't be
> cheap.

Yes, I can't remember the dollar figure, but it is not cheap.

Regards,
Burlington John