Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad owner Al Harper said this week that the train is buying two new (new to them anyway) diesel locomotives.
For those who have spent the summer on Mars, the D&SNGRR may or may not have started the 416 Fire on June 1. Although eye-witnesses said the fire started from train cinders, its cause is still classified as “under investigation” by the U.S. Forest Service.
But in the meantime, Harper said he does not want to take any more chances with the local economy or environment. He said the train lost $6 million in revenue when it was shut down for several weeks this summer, and 224 of his employees were out of work. This is in addition to the economic repercussions felt far and wide throughout the Durango and Silverton communities.
“We want to be good neighbors,” said Harper. “Next year, the train is going to be 137 years old, and there’s never been scheduled service without coal. It’s a big change, but we are adapting with the times.”
https://www.durangotelegraph.com/news/top-stories/train-gets-onboard-with-non-coal-engines/