DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has debuted its first locomotive that runs on oil, a more environmentally friendly fuel source that holds less fire risk than a traditional coal-burning engine.
For the past two years, the D&SNG’s crews have worked to convert the No. 493, an early 1900s coal-burning locomotive, to be able to run off oil. It’s the first of what’s expected to be several conversions from coal-fired to oil-burning engines, as the city’s top tourist attraction braces itself for the future.
“We need to be prepared and just recognize the changing climate,” owner Al Harper said in an interview with The Durango Herald.
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