Durango Railroad Historical Society

07/09/2026

The 315 is on the move again — this time under her own steam!

After arriving safely in Antonito, the 315 will make her way to Chama, New Mexico as she gets reacquainted with the rails of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. She'll be running light — no passenger or freight cars — with the exact timing depending on weather, temperature, humidity, and a number of other operational factors. If you are in the area or chasing the C&TS trains on Friday, keep a watch out for the 315 for some added fun! You just might catch her rolling through.

This is all part of the process of bringing the 315 fully into C&TS operations ahead of her September and October excursions. Stay tuned for updates..

07/08/2026

Only a few spots left! Pete Lerro Photography has an upcoming charter featuring the D&RGW 315 — a rare chance to photograph her with one of the best in the business. Don't wait — details in the post below.

🚂 Cumbres & Toltec 2026 Photo Charter! 🏔️📸
Join Lerro Photography and David Williams for an exclusive two-day steam charter at the legendary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on October 27–28, 2026!

Traverse 64 miles of stunning high-desert plains, steep canyon walls, aspen-covered mountains, and high trestles. Because this charter takes place right at the end of the regular passenger season, we will have the entire historic railroad completely to ourselves!

🗓️ The Lineup:
October 27 (Chama to Osier & Back): A Rio Grande 2-8-2 K-36 pulling an authentic mixed freight. Experience the classic sights and sounds as it tackles the grueling 4% grade up to Cumbres Pass, completely relettered to Rio Grande.

October 28 (Antonito to Osier & Back): D&RGW 2-8-0 #315 will be relettered and numbered to D&RG #425, pulling a mixed train through terrain that changes drastically from sunrise to sunset.

With double crews lined up to maximize our shooting time from dawn till dusk, you'll get unparalleled opportunities for spectacular historic runbys.

⚠️ Group size is limited to 40 photographers to ensure clear sightlines for everyone. Don't miss your chance to capture a century of authentic Rocky Mountain steam history!

👉 Secure your spot and read the full details here: https://lerrophotography.com/workshop/cumbres2026/

Recommended Hashtags:
&RG

07/06/2026

And she's off! The D&RGW 315 rolls out of the Colorado Railroad Museum, loaded and secured, beginning her journey to Antonito, Colorado for routine maintenance ahead of October excursions on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

The 315 called the museum home this past winter, pulling Polar Express trains before capping off her stay with a memorable appearance at Colorado Crossings this weekend. A huge thank you to everyone at the Colorado Railroad Museum for hosting her, and a special thanks to Jeff and Dusty for the stunning new paint and lettering on the tender. The DRHS volunteers hope that she can return again soon!

If you're along Highway 285 today, keep your eyes open — you might catch her passing by. Next stop: Antonito.

07/06/2026

How do you move a 130-year-old steam locomotive without narrow gauge rails? Very carefully.

Watch the D&RGW 315 being carefully pushed up onto the lowboy trailer at the Colorado Railroad Museum this morning — the first step in her journey south to Antonito, Colorado. There are no narrow gauge tracks connecting Golden to Antonito, so this time she travels by highway.

TruckSteed

06/06/2026

Today we paused to honor one of our own.
The Silverton Northern Engine House was officially dedicated today in memory of Jerry Hoffer — a lifetime member of the Durango Railroad Historical Society and one of the driving forces behind saving this historic structure for future generations.

Jerry was more than a railroad preservationist. He was a pillar of the Silverton community in every sense — a devoted member of both the Durango Railroad Historical Society and the San Juan County Historical Society, tireless in his efforts to preserve the rich history of Silverton and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Those who knew him will also remember the distinctive sound of his tuba echoing through Silverton's streets as a proud member of the Silverton Brass Band.

The engine shed stands today in large part because of Jerry's dedication, passion, and hard work. It is only fitting that it bears his name.
We are grateful for everything Jerry gave to this organization, to Silverton, and to the preservation of Colorado's narrow gauge railroad heritage. He is deeply missed — but his legacy is very much alive in the structures, collections, and community he helped preserve.

05/17/2026

What a awsome and highly successful weekend of steam at Colorado Crossings Florence and Cripple Creek Reunion at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Thanks to everyone that came out, the volunteers of the Colorado Railroad Museum and Durango Railroad Historical Society. Special thanks to Jeff and Dusty and crew of the CRRM for all their hard work including spectacular painting the 315 tender.

05/17/2026

315 gets to pull the freight train again! Also gets her orders.

05/17/2026

Double header! 315 and 20 leaving the station.

05/17/2026

Every great run starts with the not-so-glamorous work. Volunteers Charlie and Lane emptying the ash pan on the