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. 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.
Ride Behind the 315 This Fall
These aren’t ordinary excursions. Each is a chartered run behind a working 1895 steam locomotive, limited to sixty seats, with photo run-by sessions along the way and the aspens turning gold across northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Every seat directly supports the preservation work that keeps these locomotives running.
September 27 — In Memory of Tom Artsburger, Jerry Hoffer, Mark Kasprowicz and A. Lewis Dahm
Mixed train supporting the 315’s operating expenses. 60 seats, $500 each. Photo run-bys included.
September 28 — Double Header with 168! Supporting the 492 Project
Mixed train supporting the C&TS restoration of locomotive 492. 60 seats, $500 each. Photo run-bys included.
October 27–28 — Lerro Photography Charter
A dedicated photo charter with Pete Lerro Photography, based in Chama and Antonito.
Seats are limited — book early.
Inspection Complete!
We had a great crew this past week in Chama. We started work on the 315 last Saturday. The FRA observed our hydrostatic test on Tuesday. The locomotive was very dry. We had done a preliminary hydrostatic test on Sunday and fixed a few packing leaks and one wash out plug weep. Erin Swain performed…
Inspection Underway!
The D&RGW 315 is deep into her annual FRA inspection in Chama this week, and our volunteer are working hard! This is the unglamorous part of running a steam locomotive — and the most important. Over next days the crew opens the front end and clears the cinders, pulls every washout plug, punches the tubes,…
The 315 Goes Under the Microscope: Annual FRA Inspection, August 8–15 2026
Every year, the D&RGW 315 undergoes a comprehensive federally-mandated inspection — and this year’s begins August 8 in Chama. This is far more than a look-over. Over eight days, volunteers will open the front end and clear the cinders, pull every washout plug, punch the tubes, and wash out the boiler completely. The tender is…
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. We estimate a budget of $110,000. An anonymous donor has pledged $50,000, once we raise
$60,000. PLEASE HELP. For every $60 you give the anonymous donor will match it with $50. What a
golden opportunity! The Primos tank car will be such a unique addition to our collection.
Donate to this project
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.