Denver & Rio Grande

If you enjoyed our Cumbres & Toltec video last week here's a bonus video from our visit at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. In our video we showcased the mighty K-36 Mikado class conquer the steep grade from Chama to Cumbres Pass. In this video we traveled to the other end of the railroad to Antonito, Colorado and seen the precursor of the K-36 class, Denver & Rio Grande no. 168.
168 is a 4-6-0 T-12 Ten Wheeler built in 1883 by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Denver & Rio Grande for passenger service. 168 was the pride and joy for the Rio Grande for over 50 years until she was retired in 1938 while being replaced by bigger and stronger engines such as the famous K-36 class. She sat on display in Colorado Springs until in 2016 the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad moved her to her new home in Antonito, Colorado. The restoration to restore her in operation began in 2017 and her restoration was completed in late 2019 and she made her first public run in 2021.
On special occasions 168 pulls 1880's style passenger trains out of Antonito and sometimes out of Chama as well. During our visit to the Cumbres & Toltec 168 pulled an 1880's 4th of July passenger train from Antonito to Osier and back. We were able to capture 168 leave out of Antonito and in one of the ghost towns on the line known as Sublette. If you're ever visiting the Cumbres and Toltec and 168 happens to be running make sure to take a ride behind her or stop by and take photos of this vintage but cool piece of western railroading history. Let's take a trip back in time to the wild wild west days of railroading!
0:00 Intro
0:16 Antonito
1:43 Sublette
4:18 Credits

[@aaronmccreight_trains-tractor]

Great video!

[@ArkansasLocomotiveWorks]

Such a lovely engine! Great footage there.

[@TyTytheTrainGuy]

Thanks Jack.

[@stephensfarms7165]

Awesome video 👍👍👍😎

[@nathancorcoran5347]

I saw the locomotive on July 3rd after the train ride.

[@atsfevan0242]

0:44 I saw both of those people at my lunch stop at Osier, Colorado when I rode the train from Chama to Antinito this past Saturday.

[@jgrahamiii7749]

I would love to see this locomotive in action but as I am 1200 miles away, it isn't likely to happen any time soon. The #168 has a sister that is pictured on the frontispiece of "Little Engines and Big Men" a.k.a. the #169. Too bad it is not restored as they could do a doubleheader to Chama.. I suppose I can dream! It sits in a park in Alamosa, CO.

[@johnnyjames7139]

I am sure you know, 169 was Lew Lathrop's engine for years. I wish it was restored because I love Gilbert Lathrop's stories of his dad.

[@jgrahamiii7749]

@@johnnyjames7139 yes, I do. I have read Little Engines & Big Men several times..and also Rio Grande Glory Days as well. When I lived in Gunnison I explored much of the abandoned right of way of both railroads there. Besides the 169, it would be great if Gunnison could relay some track and restore the 268 that sits in a park there. I believe it was the last operating engine there besides the wreckers that pulled up the tracks.