To fans of the railroad, nothing is more eagerly anticipated or relished than the experience of a powerful steam locomotive in action. Live steam used to be a very common sight in the early part of the last century. These days, it's not so common but steam powered locomotives and the railroads of yesteryear can still be found in many parts of the world.
Step Into the Past on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This historic railroad was originally conceived and built in 1881 by the legendary Colorado railroad pioneer, General William Jackson Palmer. This 45-mile narrow gauge railroad was built in just nine months through some of the most difficult and treacherous mountain terrain on the planet. The scenery along the railroad route which travels through green alpine valleys, through mountain passes, and along the edge of the Animas River Canyon is simply stunning.
Travelling at a top speed of 18 miles per hour, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates several trains from May through late October. The railroad offers several levels of travel from the more expensive and luxurious ride in a Presidential Class, Victorian Era rail car, to the less expensive Standard Class, open air gondola type rail cars. This legendary railroad has been in continuous operation for more than 128 years.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a Big Part of Railroad History
Built in 1880 as the southern most part of the Rio Grande Railroad's San Juan Extension, this narrow gauge railroad originally served the silver mining business in the high mountains of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. The railroad fell into disrepair and was finally abandoned by the Rio Grande Railroad in 1969. In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico purchased the railroad and it's equipment, along with the Chama and Antonito rail yards.
Since 1971, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has been providing tourists a taste of what rail travel was like in the heyday of steam railroad travel. Along with many special trains scheduled throughout the year, the C&T runs several trains seven days a week. The scenery in this part of the U.S. is astounding, especially when the Aspen trees begin to take on their fall colors in late September.
Austin Steam Trains Tour the Scenic Texas Hill Country
Currently operating under diesel power while it's premier steam locomotive undergoes restoration, the Austin Steam Train Association uses diesel-electric power. The Bertram Flyer and Hill Country Flyer trains are currently running this summer. The hIll Country Flyer is the railroad line's most popular train. The route travels through the scenic Texas hill country for 66 miles and lays over in Burnett, TX for a few hours.
Back in 1992, the restoration of the railroad line's Southern Pacific 786 was completed. The shiny, restored 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive pulled it's first passenger train into the town of Burnett, TX. After seven years of reliable service, the 786 was taken out of regular service when cracks were discovered in some key components of the locomotive. The second *restoration is now underway and **Austin Steam Trains plans to have her back in operation soon. Check the Austin Steam website for more details, schedule trains, and tickets.
Any fan of railroading, and even some folks who aren't rail fans, will surely enjoy a train ride on any one of these railroads. Take a moment and consider visiting one of these historic and scenic railroads. Experience what railroad travel was like when rail was the fastest and most luxurious node of travel. It's a real step back into the past of this country's rich railroad history.
Mark Oehlert - Mark has 50 years life experience (wisdom comes with age, right?) and over 28 years experience writing copy for ads, articles, marketing ...
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