12: Durango & Silverton Railroad - A MUST ride!!!!

The Grande Tour Episode 12.
Day 7: 15th July 2023
Voted USA Today's No.1 best scenic train ride in the country, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an incredibly special rail experience. The route being one of only two preserved sections of the old Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge network (the other being the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad), the Durango & Silverton is what was known as "The Silverton" back in Rio Grande days.
This ride (which is best taken by steam power!) carries you from Durango, and into the timeless and stunningly beautiful scenery that is the Animas Canyon, along dare-devil cliffs and following the river all the way to Silverton: a characterful and old style town.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:
www.durangotra...
Durango Railroad Historical Society:
www.drhs315.org/
If you'd like to support me after this very expensive trip and for the future, there is a "Super Thanks" function near the 'Like' button. Not expected, but would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
This is part of my amazing SOLO historic railroad-based trip between Salt Lake City and Denver, filled with interest, fun and adventure.
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• 1: Historic Train Stat...
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[@tomas5376]

This is another of my favorite stream rides! Gracias🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh mine too. Thank you! 😁

[@tompetty1880]

What an incredulous journey. Your video has inspired me to head for Durango on our next visit to the US. Thanks so much for posting.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh it is incredible. Really, there is so much more America to see, but thinking about any visit I am drawn to Colorado. The thought of visiting the States and NOT doing the D&S (or the Cumbres & Toltec) makes me sad. Thank you!

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Si, what a treat for us who will probably never get there....

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

It's a very special line and I'm happy to share. Thanks!

[@salloom1949]

This video rekindled my memory of 1982 when myself, wife, and my five children took this flight. The cars were different but the locomotives are the same. It was a lovely trip back then and this video served as a great refresher. Thank you!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

1982! Wow! The Durango & Silverton was new then, freshly taken over from the Rio Grande the year before. I'm glad to bring back memories. In the future I will probably upload my previous trips too, earliest being 1998. Thank you! Simon

[@BecsterDotCom]

Yaaaaaay!!! I’ve been looking forward to this one! I’ll comment again later after I finish watching

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Fantastic! Exactly a year ago today that I rode this train. Enjoy! 😁

[@lukehill9133]

Absolutely Awesome!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@lukehill9133 Thank you Luke! 😁

[@saltleywsc]

Cup of tea a biscuit and a bit off narrow gauge heaven !! ...superb thanks for the video much appreciated !

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Sounds perfect. Thank you!

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

That was VERY enjoyable I always wanted to take a ride on a train like that but never had the chance. The best I got was at Dollywood that was fun but the smell made my wife's tummy sick. So she didn't enjoy it much... Thank you for sharing this video. Thanks to you I got to see things and places I would of never gotten to see otherwise... Be blessed my young friend in Jesus name... BBE..

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh wow, Dollywood. I bet that was fun, but yes a shame it made your wife feel ill. I'm glad to have taken you on the D&S, at least in some form. Bless you too my friend. Simon

[@hallkbrdz]

Yeah another well done video on our historic lines. Look forward to the next one.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thank you so much!

[@b20mgb]

That was indeed - nice!! A great watch. Thanks

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Haha! Nice. Thank you!

[@ToyManTelevision]

Wish we were there.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Ohhh so do I. So special.

[@dainallison4275]

My wife and I were riding in the same coach as you that day! I'm wearing a green shirt. Awesome video! I love this railroad.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Ohh amazing! and your wife had the bandana! I was looking over my footage and photos and you guys were so often right there too. Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Just sorry it's taken a YEAR for you to see yourselves. Simon

[@northernutahlivesteam3566]

Thank you Simon for finally posting this. My wife and I are very excited, we have reservations to ride very soon. I am well known for strict frugality. However, in this case I splurged for the parlor car. Based on your video we expect to have a spectacular ride!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh always be frugal where you can, so you can splurge on things that make you happy. My last visit, we sat in the standard coaches and we got a bit sleepy! Thankfully, due to being early in the season, the observation cars were unreserved so we could go out there. However, I'm sure the parlor car will be a very comfortable and special experience. I look forward to hearing about your trip!

[@northernutahlivesteam3566]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy there is a bar, so…

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

​@@northernutahlivesteam3566That'll help! 😁

[@dpelpal]

You are a brave man to take that elevator lol. It looked like it was from the 1800s, I can't believe they even still allow people to use it😆

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Haha! I know! It took me a while to work it out. First use I went to the first floor, waited, then someone called it back to the ground. A guy was there and I said "Sorry, I was expecting the door to open when I got upstairs!" I've never used one with manual doors before.

[@lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment]

Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Very kind to say so. Thank you!

[@lyndonfoster1090]

Wonderful! Love your channel and I've learned a lot from it. Love 1.20.3 scale but it is getting beyond my financial reach but I still thank you for your efforts and for your wonderful British style and insight. Looking forward to more. Thank you.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

That is so greatly appreciated. Thank you. Much more train fun to come.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Riding the rails and enjoy some great scenery. Great video!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thank you!

[@slanderedstone]

If you ever do make it out to Colorado again, I strongly recommend coming in the fall, because if you think the Silverton in the summer is pretty you'll have your mind blown during the fall. Love the content!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

I have thought that next time I should do a different season, .... although I also had the idea of staying at the hotel in Silverton instead of Durango. I've seen planty of Fall and Winder footage and it does looking incredible, often magical. It would be amazing. Thanks so much!

[@slanderedstone]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy definitely stay in silverton! It’s one hell of a place during the day but at night the light of the town obstruct the night sky when you walk near the depot, it’s magical

[@davidwhite1864]

Wow Simon that wasnt just Awesome that was double awesome. You could reach out and touch the rock face in those cuttings. And the sheer drops down to the river were quite breath taking. The engine was working so hard on the high line. I found I had a huge smile on my face all the way through this amazing video. I knew you would find a caboose,cabeese,cabi before the end😁 Fantastic Simon👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

That's a new one: "Cabi" 😂 It is indeed double awesome. A stunningly beautiful, and an engineering marvel. Glad to give you a smile, David! 😁

[@davidwhite1864]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy As you say an engineering marvel. It reminded me quite a bit of the WP&YR. I recon back then those guys could build a railway on the moon if you asked them.Nowadays no chance🙄

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

​@@davidwhite1864Haha! Yes, I think you're right. There was a time when ambition was all you needed to succeed. Definitely similarities with White Pass! (That's also on my list).

[@davidwhite1864]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy Terrys the man for the White Pass.He lived there at one point and has tons of footage from years ago.

[@dennisfillhart88]

I'm a bit envious, Simon. You rode both trains (D&S and C&T) In 2018 I had to drive all around to both, end to end. I did not have the time or sufficient funds to take just one. So I enjoy the videos you and everyone made of those wonderful train trips. Thanks. In a few more years you will need to plan a trip to central Pennsylvania for a ride on the East Broad Top Narrow Gauge Railroad. I have ridden a short section (4+ miles) that is open now. Presently, they are cleaning up the right-o-ways and laying track for most of the original line. I live about 3 hours from there so I am anxious to get the longer ride on it. 👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh so you were close but couldn't ride. Well I'm glad to share my experience with you. I have had an eye on the East Broad Top since they opened. It's looks like they've done fantastic work restoring it! It's definitely on my list. Thanks Dennis.

[@richardhill1377]

Another great video, thanks Simon

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thank you Rick!

[@Charles53412]

Been patiently waiting for the video! Well Done, especially splitting the perspective views which I believe adds texture to the content! Looking forward to the Cumbres & Toltec trip! Cheers!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thank you for being so patient. I never expected this series project to take more than a year! Those line-side shots you will see again and in full in the next Grande Tour instalment, as a start to my journey towards Chama. Cheers!

[@Charles53412]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy No problem I perfectly understand! Not only filming the content takes time, especially when RL events happen, but the editing takes just as much time if not longer. Be safe and see you down the rails. Cheers!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@Charles53412 You're right. I've had a lot on recently, and I estimate this one took about 10+ hours editing to produce. Take care! Thank you.

[@Charles53412]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy Most welcome!

[@stevensainerailfanproductions]

3:12 I see myself in that green shirt. Awesome video dude!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Oh on the train? Cool! The guy watching the train has also said "That's me in the green shirt" 😂 I'll watch your video later!

[@BurnettCrispell]

Nice Hook !!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Haha! Thanks.

[@michaelchapman6895]

Shared on X/Twitter for you. 👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thanks so much! 😁👍

[@michaelchapman6895]

No worries. 🇬🇧🇺🇲😎👍

[@AlanH-d6r]

On my list of things to do someday. Cheers!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

I hope you get the chance soon!

[@gmnj5435]

Great vid brother

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thanks so much!

[@johnlazar7582]

Thanks again for allowing us to ride along with you Simon! Terrific job with the video, the scenery was spectacular and the commentary was excellent!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@johnlazar7582 That pleases me greatly. Thank you John!

[@huntercoleman460]

Great video Simon.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Thanks so much!

[@richardbroadwell7990]

Greetings Simon ... Dr. Ric, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, back to you. Enjoyed the Durango-Silverton trip you videoed. I, too, have done the visit 3X and may return again in Sept. Never before have I seen two engines pulling, but not surprised, as appears, perhaps, the "pull" on your trip was 16 cars, a heavy load! Was taken with your all too brief inclusion of the museum. Appears to have changed demonstrably since my last visit. And, I recall my being able to wander freely through the workshop and train yard; have to suspect today that wandering would not be permitted. I usually have stayed overnite in Silverton with the train ride back to Durango and the General Palmer hotel. For folks interested in the visit, Durango is an enjoyable town with nice restaurants, art and boutique shops; worth a whole day visit just to spend in Durango. But ... be warned ... the visit to Silverton could introduce a complication: at an elevation of 9000ft, one could/might be susceptible to an unenjoyable elevation-induced headache. Looking foward to your Chama-Antonito video. Have been there/done that also - the highlight is the trip itself, not Chama and not Antonito! Cheers, R

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Hiya Dr Ric! Yes it seems to be the norm now to have a double header at peak season. It must be popular! The museum does get changed around I believe. As I say, I think the K-28 is now being made operational again (as they need all the engines they can get!) I have heard that if you ask, it's possible to look around the roundhouse, but it's not advertised. People walking freely would surely be a bad ideas these days with the crowds. I do love Durango as a town, but I did think that maybe next time I should stay in Silverton. It would be a very different experience, I'm sure! Cheers! Simon

[@watchfordpilot]

That was so 'ride along real' I could almost smell it. What an amazing railway with such an epic route, full of majestic scenery, but I do wonder how much time it takes to keep a line like that running. Long may it continue!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

I'm very glad, as that was my intention: To give an overall feel for the ride experience. It truly is amazing! (As is the Cumbres & Toltec as you'll see at some point). The line takes a lot of care and upkeep. But it seems to be a thriving business. The company that owns the line also owns the main hotel in Silverton and also another railroad. It surprisingly does not have a volunteer devision, - all workers are employed staff! It has carried on despite obstacles such as almost being given a humongous fine for (supposedly) started a forest fire some years back, authorities preventing them from carrying out vital fire prevention maintenance, authorities telling them NOT to repair a bridge that had been washed away by floods, local residents campaigning against the railroad (in Durango and very surprisingly in Silverton!), and just within recent weeks they've had TWO mud slides blocking the track. Still, it soldiers on. It is an absolute treasure.

[@ronberlier6695]

Nicely done video. Really liked the way you inserted next day shots with the view from the train. Naration and graphics were well done. Thanks for sharing. This is my favorite train and area of Colorado. 👍 Did you shoot video with cell phone or digital camera?

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@ronberlier6695 Thank you so much. That means a lot. I love the area too! You catch a glimpse of my main camera when I'm infron the mirror at the hotel. It's a Canon on a gimbal. The shots around Silverton and in the museum were done on my phone (Samsung S22). I'm no pro though 😂

[@michaelchapman6895]

Super video! I saw you've acquired an Accucraft steam locomotive. I did the same; initially during Covid - I blame Toy Man Television. Be warned it's a slippery slope... I now have a C-21, K-27 Mudhen, K-28, K-36, and a K-37!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Haha! Yes, I do now have an Accucraft live steam locomotive. It has a couple of issues which need addressing, but otherwise. Friends have been telling me I need to get live steam and I've always said "No". However, now they are saying "It's got you now!" Ha! Thanks very much Michael.

[@michaelchapman6895]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy Cool! There's a video of my K-27 Mudhen running on a rolling road on KZbin... 😉👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@michaelchapman6895 Ah yes! I remember. It appears I commented on that video over two years ago 😎

[@michaelchapman6895]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy you did indeed. Thank you.

[@donaldmcavoy5712]

Durango & Silverton Railroad is awesome. But, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is much more authentic and less commercialized. Closer to actually what it was like in it's hay-day. Your friend in narrow gauge in Colorado.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Yes I agree. They both are special, both have their charm, but both quite different in their operation style. The D&S has pretty much always been touristy, so can't blame it for being as it is I guess. But the C&T is more for the real "railroad fans". I do love them both though. Thank you!

[@MysChad]

Hi big train guy! 🙂 Beautiful vid! I subscribed! 🙂 In my “Montreal” vid, I share a glimpse of an old train. I know nothing about it! 🤣 We were on the highway, it caught my eyes, recorded it. 😍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@MysChad Ah, fantastic! Thank you. Nice to have you here. I'll look up that video! Simon

[@MysChad]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy Thanks Simon! 🙂💕 Nice to interact with you here! 🙂

[@vikingofengland]

Would love to see this one day, its on the bucket list. Where abouts in England are you from? I am from Thanet.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

I hope you manage it! Ah over to the East? I'm the other side. Weston-super-Mare.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Si, me thinks that young lady has caught your eye.

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Haha! What young lady? I was looking at.....the river,...or whatever was behind her. I don't remember. Actually, I have an outtake where her friend goes to take her photo. So she puts down her drink, takes a moment to get her hair right, then a moment to get the right pose. It was quite funny! (But I'm sure the picture is lovely).

[@unklemoose]

We rode this about the same time you did! We stayed in Dolores (the town with the silver train engine). Videos and pictures just don't do the views justice!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@unklemoose Oh fantastic! How was Dolores as somewhere to stay? Have you seen my previous video where I stop there? You're right. The views look amazing in picture, but it's nothing compared to being there. I feel it's my spiritual home, of sorts.

[@unklemoose]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy it's on my watch list. There's a beautiful rv park a couple miles farther down the road, right on the river. Beautiful place!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

​@@unklemooseBeautiful. My whole two week trip was pretty rushed. I'd love to have more time just to explore and absorb these places more. Someday!

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

Hello Simon, a spectacular video of your trip with the Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railway. I have never seen this railway so great in a commercial video. Thank you for the beautiful trip and this fantastic video. I wish you a good time, stay healthy and a fan of the Rio Grande narrow gauge railway. Best wishes Wolfgang PS Here is the K37 on a short trip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZbLdqJ5aJx6l6c

[@michaelchapman6895]

My comments on here seem to disappear?! I was at the narrow gauge Durango and Silverton Railroad in September 2023 - it was ace enjoying the food and drink in the Parlor car. Images have been shared on X and Flickr. Links can be shared if allowed?

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

Hmm.... posting links often gets blocked by KZbin, unless it's another KZbin link, sadly. I'm sure the Parlor car is an excellent experience. I usually like to hand outside the coach the whole time if I can 😂.

[@michaelchapman6895]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy if you get a chance visit the Leadville Railroad; it's a lot of fun. 👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

​@@michaelchapman6895I rode the train at Leadville many years ago. I do have a video to put up actually. On this trip, I did pass through Leadville on the way to Georgetown. I did stop to have a look around.

[@michaelchapman6895]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy Georgetown Loop was interesting too. Shame there was virtually no opportunity to see the locomotive whilst in the stations!

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

​@@michaelchapman6895 Yeah, I agree. I rode it many years ago from Silver Plume. This time was very different, and not only because they run from the other end now. It was SO commercial: big gift shop, photographer taking my picture to sell to me later on like you get on rollercoasters, everyone loaded on like cattle, music playing while we ride..... It felt like a theme part ride, not a heritage historic railroad. But, it's not expensive, and a lovely ride. So still worth doing.

[@Icevr750]

What day were you on that train

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

@@Icevr750 15th July, 2023. Details in the description 😊

[@Icevr750]

@@ThatBIGTRAINGuy 😊thanks

[@TheKruizr]

Looks like you had an awesome ride!! I'll have to get out there and do that someday.. 🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃😊👍

[@ThatBIGTRAINGuy]

You've not been? Ohhhh you must. Every rail fan should ride the D&S. Thanks!