The following Photo Tour will record Extra D&RGW #453 East in a typical operating session on the D&RGW. Operationally, the layout is envisioned as extending between Gunnison, CO and Cimarron, CO. 'Modelers License' has permitted the operation of all sizes of equipment west of Gunnison in order to accomodate my personal fascination with the larger K-series locomotives. This first part of Chapter 2 will follow Extra #453 East from Gunnison to Sapinero, and the second part of Chapter 2 will see the completion of operations at Sapinero and back to Gunnison.
Picture #1: K-27 #453 has been assigned the eastbound way freight today. It's first order of business is to pick up two cars, a tank car (CONX 33) at the oil dock and a box car (RGS 8715) at the team track. As the layout is continuous running, Gunnison Pickups are always done first and Setouts are done at the end when the train returns to Gunnison.
Picture #2: #453 has gathered its cars and is just about to join its train back together. As soon as the Westbound passenger local arrives, it will be clear to depart for Cimarron.
Picture #3: #360 heads for Gunnison. In the background is the Burnside Mill. If you look closely, you will see a tram going up the mountains to transport ore down. As there is no more surrounding area to dispose of waste material, everything must be hauled away by rail.
Picture #4: Extra #453 East has departed Gunnison, and is on its way to Cimarron. This photo tour marks the 100th operating session that has been run now.
Picture #5: Extra #453 East has arrived a Cimarron, and has cut its train in preparation for setting out box car RGS 8715 at the team track.
Picture #6: #453 has nudged RGS 8715 up to the loading platform for Mountain Transport. RGS 8715 was former C&S 8256 and you can still see the old herald and lettering.
Picture #7: Extra #453 East is now headed to Sapinero, and is disappearing into a rock tunnel.
Picture #8: Extra #53 East has arrived at Sapinero, and is met by the local Gunnison-Montrose passenger train headed up by C-21 #360.
Picture #9: The local passenger train has departed, allowing #453 to run around its train to prepare for its switching chores at Sapinero.
The next part of Chapter 2 will follow Extra #453 East as it completes its switching at Sapinero and heads on back to Gunnison.
Jim Brown
Copyright 2003 - James S. Brown