Alco built ten locomotives for Denver & Rio Grande Western in
1923, and three of these remarkable machines still call Durango home,
powering the iconic “Silverton” trains since the 1950s. Here is the
story of the first modern narrow gauge locomotive on Rio Grande and how
it is posed to enter its second century of service.
Author Jerry Day spent 45 years compiling information and more than
300 photos, maps, track folios, drawings, and diagrams, including a
three-page foldout drawing created by Mike McKenzie for this 200+ page
volume. In addition, you will find the history of D&RGW’s purchase
of the K-28s, the operational history on the lines they ran, and the
history of K-28 snow fighting operations, special passenger runs, wrecks
& mishaps, movie appearances, locomotive modifications and changes,
and how the K-28s operate today on the Durango & Silverton
railroad. Includes an appendix with the complete D&RGW/Alco specs
for the locomotives.
