Durango Railroad Historical Society
Preserving SW Colorado Narrow Gauge Railroad History
The Durango Railroad Historical Society brings Colorado’s narrow gauge railroad history back to life. We restore, preserve, and operate historic equipment that tells the story of the railroads that shaped the American Southwest — and we make it accessible to the public in Durango and Silverton.
The pride of our collection is the fully restored D&RGW 315, a C-18 class steam locomotive built in 1895 and one of the last surviving examples of its kind. The D&RGW 315 has completed its stay at the Colorado Railroad Museum and is now in Chama, New Mexico, awaiting maintenance work scheduled for August. Once that work is complete, the 315 is slated to pull excursions on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in late September. Exact dates and ticket information will be announced as soon as everything is finalized.
The 315 will also headline a special photo charter with Pete Lerro Photography on October 27th and 28th — a rare opportunity for railroad photographers to capture this historic locomotive in action on the spectacular Cumbres & Toltec line.
Check back soon or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and ticket information.
Beyond the 315, our static displays in Durango and Silverton showcase a remarkable collection of historic narrow gauge freight cars, work cars, and the famous Hollywood prop locomotive Emma Sweeney. We are also actively restoring Baggage Car No. 5 and the Primos Tank Car — two projects that will add extraordinary pieces to our collection in the coming years.
If you find yourself in southwest Colorado, come find us. And wherever you are, follow the 315 as it travels the state.
Locomotive 315 News
See the 315 in Chama NM
AThe D&RGW 315 is now in Chama, New Mexico, where she sits proudly in front of the historic Cumbres & Toltec roundhouse. If you’re riding the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, chasing the trains or simply passing through the Chama area, be sure to stop by and see this magnificent 1895 narrow gauge locomotive up close. There’s no better way to appreciate more than 130 years of railroad history than standing right beside it.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on the 315’s maintenance progress and her return to steam this fall.
Once back in steam, the 315 will be hauling excursions on the C&TS this September and October, threading through some of the most spectacular narrow gauge country in the American Southwest.
Check back here for schedule announcements and booking details as the season approaches.
Next Projects
Restoring Silverton Baggage Car Number 5
Built by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1880 as Express Car No. 2, this remarkable vehicle has survived nearly a century and a half of Colorado history. Renamed D&RG Express & Baggage Car No. 150 in 1885, it is the last surviving example of the D&RG’s shorter cars — distinguished by its slightly curved roof rather than the clerestory design of later cars — and the second oldest surviving D&RG car in existence.
Its historical significance goes beyond its age. The legendary photographer William Henry Jackson used this very car during his photographic surveys of the D&RG narrow gauge lines, making it a witness to some of the most iconic images of the American West. Later sold to the Silverton Railroad in 1888, it served as that railroad’s only baggage and express car — and is today the only surviving Silverton Railroad car.
DRHS is undertaking a two phase restoration to return this irreplaceable piece of Colorado railroad history to its former glory. Phase 1, planned for 2026–27, will restore the wood body and acquire or fabricate missing metal parts. Phase 2, planned for 2027–28, will address the trucks, complete the remaining metalwork, and see the car fully painted.
Your donation directly supports this restoration. Every dollar helps preserve a piece of history that can never be replaced.
Restoring The Primos Tank Car – Funding Needed!
In the early 1900s, a remote vanadium mine west of Telluride had a problem — it needed 800 gallons of fuel oil every single day, delivered to one of the most rugged corners of Colorado. The solution was a purpose-built narrow gauge tank car that made an extraordinary journey from Kansas through the mountains to keep the furnaces burning. When the mine closed in 1920 the car quietly disappeared from history — until now.
DRHS is reconstructing this remarkable piece of Colorado’s industrial and railroad heritage, and the story behind it is one you won’t want to miss. But we need your help to make it happen. This project depends entirely on the generosity of supporters like you — every donation, large or small, brings this extraordinary piece of history one step closer to restoration.
Silverton CO Displays
While visiting Silverton Colorado, be sure to stop by and see the restored narrow gauge equipment in the railroad historical park. The shed is completed and offers a great place to get out of the sun or rain and learn about some narrow gauge rail car history.
Railroad Historical Park
The railcars display track and shed are part of the joint strategic plan with the San Juan County Historical Society (SJCHS) to create a Historical Railroad Park in Silverton to restore, display and maintain railroad equipment and to inform the public about the importance of narrow gauge railroads to the development of southwest Colorado.
Cars In The Park
Join the DRHS
Every locomotive restored, every freight car preserved, and every mile of narrow gauge history saved is made possible by members like you. DRHS is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit — your membership directly funds the restoration projects you’ve just read about and helps ensure that southwest Colorado’s railroad heritage survives for future generations.
Membership starts at just $30 a year. Whether you’re a lifelong narrow gauge enthusiast or simply passionate about preserving history, there’s a place for you in the DRHS family.