description Durango & Silverton No. 481 Overview
Durango & Silverton No. 481 is a narrow-gauge 2-8-2 Mikado-type steam locomotive originally built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1923 for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Classified as a K-36, the locomotive was designed for heavy freight and passenger service on the rugged three-foot narrow gauge lines in the Colorado mountains. Retired from regular revenue service, it was later preserved for tourist operations.
Today, it operates on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, pulling heritage excursion trains through the Animas River canyon.
insights Ranking position
Durango & Silverton No. 481 ranks #161 of 397 in the Locomotive ranking, behind JR-Freight DE10, ahead of LMS Black Five.
balance Durango & Silverton No. 481 Pros & Cons
- Operational narrow-gauge service
- Scenic tourist route operation
- Well-maintained preserved example
- Historical significance
- Limited speed capability
- High operational costs
help Durango & Silverton No. 481 FAQ
Why is Durango and Silverton No. 481 called a K-36 locomotive?
In Denver and Rio Grande Western terminology, K indicates a Mikado with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement, while 36 refers to roughly 36,000 pounds of tractive effort. No. 481 is one of the narrow-gauge K-36 locomotives built for the railroad.
Was No. 481 originally built for the Durango and Silverton railroad?
No. It was built for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and later became part of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad fleet. It now works excursion trains through Colorado's Animas River canyon.
What track gauge does locomotive No. 481 use?
No. 481 runs on three-foot narrow-gauge track. That gauge is substantially narrower than the 4-foot 8.5-inch standard gauge used by most North American railroads.
Does No. 481 burn coal during its excursion trips?
No. 481 was historically coal-fired, like the other D&RGW K-36 engines. The Durango and Silverton has converted locomotives in its operating fleet to oil firing to reduce smoke, sparks, and wildfire risk, so its current fuel configuration should be checked against the railroad's active roster.
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