Well its official, #18 will once again be heading to Durango for another stint on the Durango and Silverton Railroad. In a mutually beneficial agreement, the D&SNG has leased #18 for a period of approximately 6 months. #18’s primary role will likely be in helper service with the D&SNG’s other oil burning locomotive’s. Photos, dates the #18 may be in service, and other information will be posted in the future. We’re excited about being able to help the D&SNG and have #18 once again be a part of their operation!
Jerry Day’s shot of eight locomotives, seven of which are under steam!
September 4th was a historic day in Durango as seven locomotives were together under steam, including our #18! A week later on the 10th, #18 made its last trip on the D&SNG. Jerry Day filmed this video from the cab of #18 on its trip south.
Now that #18’s work in Durango is done, it will receive its annual inspection and will be trucked home to Independence in the coming weeks. On November 2nd, #18 will be under steam back in California for a “Welcome Home” celebration fundraiser at the Eastern California Museum. Be sure to make your plans to be there!
In other exciting news, the Carson and Colorado, along with Sumpter Valley Railroad have acquired three former SP boxcars form the Silverwood Amusement park. The cars are complete with trucks and all their hardware, altered only by time since the day they left the SP in 1960. One of the three cars, #354 (Nee #1C), will be coming to Independence for use with #18 at the ECM. Working with our good friends at Rosser trucking, #354 will be heading south from Idaho in mid October. Your donations are greatly appreciated to help fund the move, and ultimate restoration of this historic car! And again, don’t forget to come out to the ECM on the 2nd of November to see the car.
Boxcar #354 as seen at Silverwood, Idaho in August 2019
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