Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Above, the 9:30 Durango train departing for Cascade Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I headed into the old town section of Durango, Colorado to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and roundhouse.

As luck would have it, about ten minutes after my arrival, the 9:30 train to Cascade Canyon was about to depart from the Durango Station.

Above, the 9:30 train before departure from Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was talking to one of the train workers and mention that I rode the train last year. I mentioned that the departure was from Rockwood. He said that was a cost-cutting measure and that they were able to get more trains out daily. He was glad the departures were returned to Durango Station but still going to Cascade Canyon. Says its easier to handle the trains from Durango Station.

In minutes, the 9:30 train headed out and before it did, I found myself a spot to shoot some pictures of it.

Above, Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I went over to the museum and looked over the exhibits. All of the engines on display are still operational except for one, No. 42. The museum is located in part of the roundhouse away from the the working area. During the summer, the working area is accessible to tourists, guided, of course.

After wandering around the museum, I went over to the gift shop in the station and bought a Blu-rays of the Durango train and a refrigerator magnet. I still have one that I bought back in the 1980s. It is no longer available.

I then wandered around the old town section of Durango and had breakfast at the Lone Spur Cafe. I had the chorizo scramble.

More photos from today:

Above, the entrance to the museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, after entering the museum, this is what visitors first see. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a cougar ready to pounce. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, engine No. 42, no longer operational. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, engine 478 is still operational, as is No. 486 below. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, an elaborate model railroad. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, for my motorcyclist friends, an old Indian motorcycle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, interesting sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, outside of the roundhouse. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a vintage Texaco pick-up truck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another view of engine No. 478. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, outside after leaving the museum and heading back to Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Charles Bradshaw Jr., who saved the Durango train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the main entrance to the Strater Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.