Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Do you sell one-way tickets? |
A: No, all tickets are sold on a round-trip basis. |
Q: Are reservations required? |
A: Yes, as trains often sell out a month or more in advance of departure. Parlor class often books up two months or more in advance of departure. Packages often book up two weeks to a month in advance of departure. |
Q: Which
coach is mine? |
A: To find
your car, refer to small numbers on the back of each car
(look for two-digit numbers only). The large number on the
side of the car is the number assigned to the car by the
manufacturer. |
Q: What is the difference between a coach and gondola? |
A: Coaches
are fully enclosed while gondolas have roofs and seats with
open sides. We encourage passengers on gondolas to bring
jackets (jackets, ponchos and fleeces are also available
for purchase in the gift shop). All seats on the train are
assigned, whether inside or out. Passengers may walk through
the train after it leaves the depot, but please be courteous
of other passengers and their assigned seating. |
Q: Are there Dog/Cat Kennels at Durango? |
A: Yes.
|
Name |
Number |
Durango Animal Hospital: |
970-247-3174 |
Puppy Love: |
970-259-3043 |
Willow Tree: |
970-259-3043 |
Wonuka Farms: |
970-259-8848 |
Q: Are there restrooms? |
A: Yes. Bathrooms
are located in the rear of each of the enclosed coaches. |
Q: Are there refreshments? |
A: Yes. Refreshments
are available in the concession car located in the middle
on the train. The concession attendants accept cash only.
An ATM is located in the Durango depot. Refreshment options
include light lunch items like hot dogs, hot pockets, soup,
sweets and a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages. |
Q: Where are the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton
Freight Yard Museum? |
A: The D&SNGRR
Museum is at the south end of the roundhouse. Admission
is included with your ticket. The Silverton Freight Yard
Museum in located at the Silverton depot. Admission is good
for two days prior to or two days following your ride on
the train. |
Q: How many people does it take to run the train?
Who is in charge? |
A: The train
requires four employees: engineer, fireman, one brakeman,
and one conductor, plus concession and private car attendants.
The conductor is in charge! The brakeman assists the conductor. |
Q: How narrow is the narrow gauge? Why was it used? |
A: Narrow gauge
rails are three feet (36 inches) apart, while standard gauge
rails are four feet, 8 1/2 inches (56 1/2 inches), which
is a standard based on Roman chariot wheels. Narrow gauge
was used because it was easier and less expensive to install
around sharp mountain curves. |
Q: Is the steam locomotive fueled by coal? |
A: Yes. For
a round trip to Silverton a fireman shovels six tons of
coal per day. On a round trip, ten thousand gallons of water
are used! |
Q: How fast does the train go? |
A: The train
travels at a top speed of 18 mph (regular speed with all
the coaches). |
Q: What is the weight of the heaviest locomotive? |
A: K-36s weigh
143 tons when loaded with coal and water. |
Q: Does the train operate any diesel locomotives? |
A: The D&S
purchased "Hot Shot 1" which was put into service in July
of 2002 primarily as an emergency and fire prevention vehicle.
The D&S purchased four additional diesel locomotives in
September 2002, which are being restored and will be used
for similar maintenance of way and emergency applications.
In May 2003, "Big Al" an 87 ton G.E. Center cab locomotive
was put into service if drought conditions might dictate
the need. |
Q: What is the oldest D&SNGRR locomotive? |
A: No. 42 (in
the D&SNGRR Museum) was built in 1887. The locomotives used
daily are from 1923 and 1925. |
Q: Did the Missionary Ridge Fire affect the railroad
operation? |
A: Yes, service
to Silverton was interrupted during the summer 2002 season,
as severe dry conditions and the threat of fire was eminent.
The Missionary Ridge Fire was located North and East of
Durango. The D&SNGRR has implemented numerous precautionary
measures to help with the prevention of fires and continues
to work closely with both the local fire departments and
the National Forest Service. |
Q: Who owns the D&SNGRR? |
A: Since 1998
the D&SNGRR has been owned and operated by American Heritage
Railways of Coral Gables, Florida; Allen and Carol Harper,
principal owners. |
Q: Which movies has the train "starred" in? |
A: Colorado
Territory (1949), Ticket to Tomahawk (1950), Denver & Rio
Grande (1952), Viva Zapata (1952), Three Young Texans (1954),
Run for Cover (1955), Maverick Queen (1956), Around the
World in 80 Days (1956), Night Passage (1957), How the West
Was Won (1963), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969),
Support Your Local Gunfighter (1970), Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad (1984), The Tracker (1987), Rebirth
of a Locomotive (1992), Tracks Through Time (1999), Durango
Kids (1999), Golden Dreams (2000), and The Claim (2000). |
Q: How long did it take to lay the tracks between
Durango and Silverton? |
A: The Denver
& Rio Grande arrived in Durango in August, 1881. In November
of that same year crews began building the tracks to Silverton.
The tracks were completed in July 1882, just shy of nine
months later! |
Q: When did the train start offering leisure rides? |
A: Established
in 1881, the train began offering scenic tours in July 1882. |
Q: How far is it to Silverton from Durango, and how
long does the train ride take? |
A: It takes
the train 3 1/2 hours to travel the 45 miles from Durango
to Silverton. |
Q: How much time do we have in Silverton? |
A: There is
a layover in Silverton of two hours and fifteen minutes.
Your train will turn around before departure. Don't miss
your return train! |
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