20’s Snowscape

Story

Railroads are renowned for their punctuality, and they will depart and arrive on time. Most days, the timetable goes without any issues. But, on some days, especially during the winter, it is far more challenging. Yet, even deep snow in the mountains is not enough to prevent the railroad from operating, as 20’s Snowscape showcases.

Engine #20 is pulling a short consist near the Animas River deep in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The winter storm was fierce, and more than two feet of new snow accumulated across the line. Still, that was no problem for this mighty engine. These engines are capable of going through four feet of snow on the tracks. And all that without a plow!

This photograph, though, provides a glimpse into a time long past. Today, we whiz through the mountains in our warm cars without a second thought to the days before the paved, and plowed, highways. Instead, the mighty engines braved the weather and elements to ensure their loads departed, and arrived, on time, regardless of the weather they faced.

20’s Snowscape calls back to those times, and provides a powerful reminder of all that the railroads accomplished.

Past meets present

This photograph is unusual for many reasons. First off, it is of the Rio Grande Southern’s Engine #20. This engine usually resides in the Colorado Railroad Museum. Today, thanks to a special arrangement, it’s running on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroads line.

Historically, this engine was never on this rail segment. Although the engine was in Durango, it continued past Durango, and did not go to Silverton. Still, considering that there’s hardly any narrow gauge lines left, we’re just going to let that slide.

The photograph is also unique in that it is made the day after a significant blizzard in the San Juan Mountains. Yes, it snows constantly in the mountains, but this blizzard was, well, a blizzard. Up to 20 inches of snow came down.

This fortuitous event created a magical winter wonderland. Fresh snow covered the trees, creating a delightful scene. With the bright counterpoint of the red consists against the natural aquamarine of the Animas River, the entire feeling of the photograph is magical.