Mighty 476

Story

The steam engines of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad have been running the route between Durango, Colorado, and Silverton, Colorado, for over a century. And Mighty 476, one of the workhorse steam locomotives, has been in service nearly that long.

Day in and day out, Engine 476 leaves Durango and makes its way through the San Juan Forest and mountains of Colorado on its way to Silverton. Today, it’s carrying passengers. But when it first started, it moved ore from the myriad mining operations in the mountains to Durango and beyond.

Once part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western system, today, the railroad is a scenic railroad. The now-isolated route only runs between Durango and Silverton, but that route remains as challenging today as it did yesterday. The railroad maintains and preserves the steam engines, such as Mighty 476, and cars. We can step into the past whenever we wish.

It’s a rare treat to be aboard the rails, and it’s easy to remember the times long past. Thanks to this incredible scenic railroad and its dedication to keeping our history alive.