The Last Rio Grande Southern Train Out Of Durango, 11/27/23

I “Chase and Paced” the last RGS train out of Durango before it returned to Knott's Berry Farm. The D&S took the RGS #41 and employees and families to Cascade for a final test run Monday 11/27/23.
RGS locomotive #41 was 70 years old when purchased by Knotts Berry Farm in 1951 for the Ghost Town & Calico Railroad in Buena Park, CA. and has spent the last 72 years running clockwise around the less than a mile circle. I first rode the #41 at 5 in mid 1950's, again in the mid 90's and mid 2000's. It was awesome to hear, see her running straight at 20+ MPH and pulling a grade. In Feb. 2022 the #41 was trucked to Durango for a complete rebuild and has been off limits to unauthorized photographs and videos till now.
The #41 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1881 as a 2-8-0 Consolidation, for the D&RG as #409 "Red Cliff", sold to the RGS and renumbered #41 in 1916 and classified as a "C-19" in 1921.

[@georgepacal1195]

As a child growing up in Southern California, I often accompanied my father to work at Sears in Buena Park, where Knott’s Berry Farm is located. He would drop off my mother and me for the day, and we would enjoy all the wonders of Walter Knotts enterprise. Being a railroad fanatic from a very young age, it goes without saying that being around those C-19’s, smelling the oil and hearing that whistle, was sheer nirvana! I also loved the Railroad Supply Shop in Ghost Town, with all the ‘cool’ stuff crammed everywhere in that place. As the visits continued over the years, I witnessed the transition of the locomotives from orange-silver-black in fairly ‘good’ condition, to basically black-silver in pristine condition now…. In their present state, the two look most authentic and in the best operational condition imaginable. I was so proud and pleased to view the new videos from Durango of #41 looking like it was just newly delivered from Baldwin! What a fantastic sight in such a beautiful winter wonderland! It’s kinda like the #41 “died and went to heaven”!

[@allanbeamer7110]

I'll bet we were neighbors. Lived the other side of the shopping center (later "mall" when it was roofed). Heard that steam whistle every day. My dad loved to bake sour dough bread & would take me with him to the grist mill in Ghost Town for his starter. Never thought I'd see #41 out in the wild like this. Really a sight. Kinda sad to send her back, but if it wasn't for KBF, she probably wouldn't even be here at all these days. God bless "neighbor" & to the restoration folks AND film maker!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks @allanbeamer7110 for sharing your memories as well. I look forward to seeing the 41 back at Knott's Berry Farm soon.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks George, for watching and sharing your wonderful memories.

[@georgepacal1195]

@@whitcraft4578 Thanks!

[@31Alden]

The sights, sounds, and scenery is simply divine. The echo of her whistle, bell, and chugging as she gathers steam, the clackety-clack on the tracks as she rocks and sways is beyond wonderful. Colorado’s exquisite winter beauty is the perfect setting to showcase No. 41. Thank you videographers for the fabulous video, including the fade out.

[@Pocketfarmer1]

I agree with what you have said, but I hate the whine from the turbine.

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it! I agree with you 100%. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@whitcraft4578]

Hey Pocket, it is annoying at times. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@evanf1293]

Getting to see 41 in the snow imo, was a great way to end her test runs on D&S. And since snow is rare to see in California this was a true sight to watch.

[@whitcraft4578]

I totally agree! Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@evanf1293]

@@whitcraft4578 Your welcome!

[@PortsmouthCherokee]

D and S? Dirt and snow?

[@evanf1293]

@@PortsmouthCherokee Sigh, it's short for Durango & Silverton

[@lauriechristmas5494]

Durango is in Colorado … Not California

[@nmelkhunter1]

That area is beautiful any time of year, but the snow and the train make it exceptionally beautiful. Well done! 🍻

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for the kind words, watching and commenting.

[@stephensfarms7165]

Thanks so much for sharing this video of #41 in the snow, just breath taking. Great photography and sound. And thanks for chasing the train, few people do this. 👍👍👍👍🌟🌟

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Stephen, for watching and your nice comment.

[@CChapin831]

Thank you for an excellent production, you clearly put a lot of thought into where to capture its progress. Also thanks for the detailed description; from the title I first had thought that the D&SNG had been misidentified, but now it's clear. As a child I enjoyed the train at Knott's Berry Farm but had no idea of this connection. Great to see and hear!

[@chriskolbeck517]

Got married in Durango in August 1990. This video brings back a lot of memories. Fantastic in the snow, beautiful video. Thanks for making it.

[@tcope9695]

Simply magnificent! Thank you

[@rikkiechambers4959]

Reminds me of when I was a kid and we road the train from Durango up to Silverton .. just beautiful .. very well filmed too !

[@DerekWalsh-l4i]

Hey, what can I say after all of the comments below? You have made a wonderful film here of, possibly, a unique event. Thank you for bringing this to us all.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your wonderful comment.

[@leecarlson9713]

The train almost looked like a miniature, with the mountains behind it, at 4:45. Absolutely beautiful!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@browsman2328]

Beautiful vid, you guys did a good job. One of my earliest memories was my mother picking up relatives in Auburn NY in the early 50s. She showed me the huge steam engine that the New York Central was still using back then. I was only three yeas old and was both scared and fascinated with that huge black monster.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and sharing your memories. They are ALIVE!

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

Hi Bob, great video from the final test drive of the C-19 #41 with a train in the snow. Great filming, it's a shame that the locomotive goes back to Knott's Berry Farm. Because then you won't see them as often anymore. Bob, thank you very much for showing the video and warm greetings from Germany. wolfgang

[@whitcraft4578]

Warm greetings from me to you, Thanks, for watching and your nice comment.

[@NickManCuso59]

A blast from the past the real McCoy . Thanks for sharing this video. Beautifully done !

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for the kind words, watching and commenting.

[@NickManCuso59]

@@whitcraft4578 My pleasure. Appreciate your efforts !

[@ken.mp372]

What a great Series of Videos about the RGS C-19 2-8-0 #41 on the D&SNG..... Parts 1 & 2 "Shakedowns" were very interesting and enjoyable..... and Part 3(?) "Pacing with Tonnage" was a remarkable pacing video! And this 11/27/23 Video put the icing on the cake..... another very well done Video, Bob! Ain't the RGS #41 pretty in the snow!? A nice "Holiday Series" to enjoy..... from a fine Videographer with a "Good Eye & Taste"..... Thank you Bob for posting these Clips and sharing the RGS #41 in action, I applaud your talents & efforts!

[@tedc7714]

I got goose bumps when they blew the whistle up and running at speed. I will be 81 in January. I remember steam engines on the Monon in Greencastle ind. Pulling cement out of the LONE STAR clement plant. It was about the time I started school. The big quarry on south west side of town put out rock on rail cars for over a hundred years.my grand mother worked at the plant . Sewing bagged cement shut. The lone star quarry is a mile southeast of the big one. I used to sneak back and watch them work. Would watch them blast. I got several butt paddlings. But it didn't slow me down much. Hehe. It certainly reminded me to be careful around the quarry. So it wasn't all waisted effort on my butt.

[@CrampedGrampy]

That be a beautiful locomotive. My Uncle Alton, former engineer for the New York Central, had he yet been with us (instead of engineering on the other side of life) would be quite taken by this gem. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@whitcraft4578]

Very cool! Thanks for watching and sharing your memories.

[@ajbaumgart4774]

That engine sounds awesome beautiful train i really like the whistle they have on it

[@deanstanley6686]

Thank you for your most excellent videography to record this very historic event. Can it happen again, possibly not. What could be better than a most historic locomotive, snow, and arguably the finest location on the planet.

[@31Alden]

I quite agree. As Stevie Wonder once said: “Isn’t she lovely?”

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks Dean, for watching and your nice comment.

[@martinmarsola6477]

A picturesque video. Thank you! 🙂👍🇺🇸

[@steveinnepa]

Absolutely great to see and hear the old steam locomotive in action, especially in such beautiful winter scenery!

[@rwhb1]

Excellent line side shot. Well done!

[@billwilliams5889]

I could not take my eyes and ears off the video. The engine seems alive and laughing as it chugs along.

[@frederickwise5238]

Music to my ears tears to my eyes. 65 years ago I worked on em at the B&O.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and sharing your memories.

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

Pacing shots were excellent and stable, 10/10

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you like them!

[@ELDRGW]

I posted this on the Rio grande page thank you for the great video

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@timnewman1172]

Seeing RGS 41 run in the snow is about as pretty a sight as it'll ever see!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for the kind words, it was awesome!

[@piperlance6007]

My wife and I rode this train from Durango to Silverton in September. A real treat for me after working for 3 different railroads. Beautiful country.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for the kind words, watching and sharing your memories.

[@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956]

Epic! Thanks for sharing and thank you Al Harper for your support.

[@whitcraft4578]

You are so welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@sheilatruax6172]

There's a Durango in Ca, too?! I thought they were talking about Durango, CO.

[@treavy1]

Beautiful whistle

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@pcatful]

Great filming and beautiful setting! I have memories of both Knott's Berry Farm and Durango (where it must have been a different train I saw in the mid-60's.)

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for the kind words, watching and commenting. The #41 left in 1951, so most likely you rode behind one of the K 28's, # 473. 476 or the 478.

[@howardnielsen6220]

Wonderful what a treat thank you

[@PortsmouthCherokee]

41 IS A Beautiful machine wow. That engine most definitely has serious swagger

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your descriptive comment.

[@mfilitti]

Thank you for all the time you put into making this video. I really enjoyed it

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks, I appreciate your comment!

[@SueTaylor-n5u]

A great run! Engines are living things and you can tell 41 is happy to be running again. It was laughing along. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. 🚂❤️

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it. Back at the farm now but, I think the 41 was happier on the D&S where she could get up and run.

[@k.t.rabbit9552]

My god, what a beautiful, beautiful machine!!! I have goosebumps watching this! She's magnificent!!!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks, for watching and commenting. Better than new, now!

[@Sheepdawg7]

❤Fabulous, Bob. What a joy to see this. Thank you for sharing the moment!

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it and your welcome.

[@williamreed805]

The RGS 41 videos keep getting better and better Bob!! Wow.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks William, always appreciate your comments! Surprised we didn't see you trackside. LOL

[@williamreed805]

​@whitcraft4578 Oh how I wish I could have been there. Thanks to you I felt like I was there.

[@Kivetonandrew]

A fantastic video. Brilliant camerawork. So different to our trains in the UK.

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@stewpadasso297]

I love hearing about common interests with folks from the UK. When I was in the Marine Corps, I had the privilege of meeting British Marines who were training with us in 29 Palms California. I had an in depth conversation with a British Marine who was obsessed with Chevrolet Corvettes. Yes our trains are so different.

[@bengone3349]

Well done video, capturing all the sounds and sights perfectly.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@billwilliams5889]

Way beyond cool !!!

[@aidenayers2486]

I can't wait to see her back at knotts again but sad to see her leave Colorado ill be sure to see her as soon as she returns

[@stevemackelprang8472]

Wonderful !! Thank you.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thank you too!

[@dalewier9735]

Attended FLC 1978-81, thanks for the video.

[@tomt9543]

WOW! Just WOW!!! Thank you!

[@whitcraft4578]

You are so welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@karthikeyank2207]

Beautiful Train and scenic ride..

[@nathancorcoran5347]

I would like to see Rio Grande Southern #41 running.

[@charlesmoore456]

Reminds me of C. W. McCall's "Silverton" song.

[@iowa_don]

Is there anything more cool than the sound of a steam locomotive echoing in the mountains??

[@whitcraft4578]

Not much, Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@brookingsbeachcomber]

awesome coverage as usual

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@diegohorton869]

Performing well on the cold damp rail. Sounds strong timing is great.

[@whitcraft4578]

The 41 did sound and run great, Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rescue270]

I hear lots of these excursion locomotives with timing clearly out of synch.

[@diegohorton869]

Yep I was involved in restoring a SP steam engine 30 years ago. I have working knowledge of steam engines. I’m still amazed how they work.

[@TheTransportationFanfromCA]

This might the only time where 41 goes farther and faster than she was at Knotts

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks, for watching and factual comment.

[@billwilliams5889]

In the late 1980’s (or maybe early 1990’s) we took our bikes on that train up to Silverton, then pedaled back. The train caught up with us around Hermosa. Question: is Mama’s Boy Pizza still there ? Absolutely the best I’ve ever had.

[@railroad9000]

Just beautiful!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@lokomac8]

As always, Bob, great locations and video work!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@lokomac8]

@@whitcraft4578, well I was in Texas when almost all of that was going on unfortunately, and when I got back I missed the last little run because I had no idea about it, lol. So your video was extra special for me.

[@awildjared1396]

Its great to see her stretch her legs after so many years of running at knott's.

[@whitcraft4578]

Sure was, Thanks, for watching and commenting.

[@paulsmith3820]

About 15 years a go I rode the Durango and Silverton from Durango to Silverton and back. What is the difference between the Durango and Silverton and the Durango Southern?

[@KB-gs8zi]

Hey Bob !! Thanks for braving the winter snow & cold to video this !!! 🙃😉😊👍👍👍👍👍 Was this the 1st snow that you had out there ?? 🤔🙄 Temps in the 20* last night in SC ., but NO rain or ice storm which will follow this weekend !!

[@whitcraft4578]

Hey KB, this was the first snow here. Have a great holiday and Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@wildcard9724]

Fabulous!

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks, for watching and your fabulous comment.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Beautiful video. Thanks for posting it. BTW, sounds just like my American Flyer trains ! Well, almost. LOL😅😂😅

[@whitcraft4578]

Glad you enjoyed it. Enjoy that American Flyer!

[@opathe2nd973]

Rode her in 1961 with my new bride on our honeymoon. Thanks for the memories!

[@whitcraft4578]

Great memory, Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@applecounty]

I like Baldwins. A few made it to the UK (Lynton & Barnstable, Leek and Manifold Railways not forget the Standard Gauge locos of the Midland Railway). A replica of the L&B loco runs on the Heritage L&B railway.

[@d.l.hemmingway3758]

How did RGS 41 wind up in Durango, CO after so long at Knott's Berry Farm in CA?

[@jockellis]

Forgive me for wishing that runner was listening to some Guess Who at the higher levels and became “…just a greasy spot on the L&N.”

[@AstroTron]

I can't wait to see her back at Knott's.

[@whitcraft4578]

Back to NBF, running around in circles this weekend.

[@grahamhill6340]

Good photography of the kind of locomotives I grew up with watching WESTERN's... HOLLYWOOD saved many a train from the scrapheap... MGM's old loco ended up at Old Tucson, then it was burned in the big "fire", and later bought just before DSNGR's Al Harper bought the fading theme park. On our Universal stuidio backlot we had a Virginia & Truckee loco used in so many western movies & TV shows... Warners and Paramount had their own loco's and rolling stock, and RKO had the most straight track, a spur-line out by their Encino movie ranch. You could really bring a train into their station from a distance uncut. I knew some of the engineers and special effects guys who kept the trains going into the 1990's in my 40 year HOLLYWOOD career. Now CGI has taken over everything and the smell of live steam, oil and old rolling stock is just a memory. Here the old loco from Knotts Berry Farm gets a good long overdue run on the best scenic railroad in the world! All we needed was some train robbing riders to jump on the train as they did in HOW THE WEST WAS WON and so many others. The DSNGR was indeed saved by HOLLYWOOD with movies like A TICKET TO TOMAHAWK, DENVER & RIO GRANDE and BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID. Thank you WHITCRAFT...

[@phantombrakeman4983]

With the snow! Super.

[@whitcraft4578]

I agree, had to get out again and chase and pace. Thanks for watching and your nice comment.

[@billyrueckert5113]

She sounds and looks great! Just need to work on her cylinder packing.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks, for watching and commenting.

[@t-12productions15]

seeing 41 at home I'm sure was really nice, here is hoping that 340, 346, and 41 can reunite

[@whitcraft4578]

That would have been nice but... Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@renegadeoflife87]

6:10 Darn those piston rod packings. Sometimes they just want to hiss, tightening it up enough to make it seal would also make it bind and run hot.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your accurate comment.

[@barbie3sunset]

Wait a minute. I thought the rio grande southern engines pulled the trains out of Chama, and that the Durango trains had their own Liberty. What did I miss??

[@jeanneschray1976]

The best view is right next to the enginne ascthe wheels begin moving. The view going north as we entered the valley ofvthe lost souls (Spanish) is to ever be remembeted.

[@wavesnbikes]

Wow. We appreciate your work, man. Thanks for sharing! Hats off to the boys at D&S and kudos to Knotts for CARING to rebuild something so historic, for the next 50 years. So once RGS makes it back to the Farm, will DRGW 341 be trucked to Durango and receive the same treatment like the RGS 41 did?

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your interesting comment. I didn't know.

[@wavesnbikes]

@whitcraft4578 Your welcome. But it's a actually a question. I don't know if it's something Knotts is planning on doing or not. It would make sense, but Knotts recently merged with Six Flags or something like that. It will put Magic Mountain and The Berry Farm under the same corporate umbrella. Both need to keep their flavor.

[@jeanneschray1976]

Going down hill.my dad worked for the D &RGW

[@Gofast49442]

At least in this weather it won't start any more fires

[@avalanche9026]

Like the hard old days

[@lohphat]

I was just in KBF for the first time in decades and was wondering where the trainset was. They had this silver bus on rails which was... odd. Now I know where it was and is heading "home" ❤

[@whitcraft4578]

Hey, that silver bus was one of several that operated and still run in Colorado. Long live the Galloping Goose, (Geese).

[@rogervondach1238]

Nice video, that's all! Not a single word or comment. Last train out of Durango? What does it mean? Last train for the 2023 season or last train period? I have been in Durango many times and have been riding that train to Silverton and back. But if you advertise a video with that kind of title, we expect something more.

[@whitcraft4578]

Rodger, perhaps you failed to read the description.

[@raoulh.4440]

It looks for all the world like that steam locomotive was going through the McDonald’s drive thru. THAT would be the end of an era.

[@tomedgar4375]

Good to see her stretching her legs on a proper railroad

[@whitcraft4578]

Sure was, Thanks, for watching and commenting.

[@clarkkent5935]

Npice ❤

[@georgefowler4682]

I hope someone video's her trip back to California.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your comment. I haven't heard.

[@michaeldemarco9950]

Do you mean the last Silverton Train out of Durango? Rio Grande & Southern has been gone since 1959? Unless, have they opened the old tracks up the west side of the mountains, through Delores and Rico? Because 41 isn’t one of the Silverton engines. I love the ride up to Silverton.

[@whitcraft4578]

Michael, the 41 has been in Durango for the last year for a complete rebuild and this was the last of three test runs before it went back to Knotts Berry Farm.

[@michaeldemarco9950]

@@whitcraft4578 , which of the 470s and 480s (and 490s?) are still operating?

[@georgepidick9967]

I real life polar express 🎉

[@taylorowner]

100 years ago, rail travelers could leave the train and eat at a Fred Harvey restaurant. Now they can get a Big Mac, Fries and Chocolate Shake. Or in McDonalds parlance... Mac, Fry, Choc.

[@ArtStoneUS]

But only if the shake machine is not broken

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your funny comment.

[@timbacchus]

Does that mean no more Durango rail road?

[@whitcraft4578]

The 41 was only here for a rebuild. The D&S have 7+ of their own, Thanks for watching.

[@timbacchus]

Goody@@whitcraft4578

[@kenutton992]

What is the reason for stoping?

[@anthonycook5238]

Is she gonna stay there an be used on the railroad or is she to go somewhere else ?

[@gordonbrackett7220]

The best thing about this is that there's no diesel, just pure steam.

[@techguy9023]

Is it coal fired still? There is a small mountain railroad I know that has converted their boilers to diesel. The coal car contains a diesel tank on theirs.

[@whitcraft4578]

@gordonbrackett7220 Thanks, for watching and commenting. It is oil fired though.

[@Ian-qs3fz]

I’m slightly bothered by the fact that the cab is significantly wider than the tender

[@avalanche9026]

Yea it’s pretty. But most people have no idea what’s like to spend a lifetime working on those locomotives. The work the long h. Each and every day ? To run that piece of iron …. Was not that easy att all !!

[@leecarlson9713]

Is #41 going to be a permanent locomotive on the D&S? I will be a passenger in July, 2024, and would love to see her ‘up close and personal!’

[@johnpurdy3336]

#41 is actually gonna be taken back to Knotts berry farm in Buena Park California. Someone in the comments said she'd actually be running trains there this weekend.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and Sorry, you will have to go to Knotts in Cali. to see her ‘up close and personal.

[@ocsrc]

Waddle waddle waddle Manmura-chan 😋

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your descriptive comment.

[@rickchapman9232]

Am I right,that was a 2/8/0?

[@whitcraft4578]

Yep, the #41 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1881 as a 2-8-0 Consolidation.

[@owenjones9659]

What will happen to #41

[@AstroTron]

go back to Knott's

[@whitcraft4578]

Back to NBF, running around in circles this weekend.

[@tbuddy3005]

Is this coal fired or electric!?🤔

[@brianfalzon6739]

What if 41 can come back and visit the D&SNG again someday?

[@whitcraft4578]

Make a wish, never say never. Thanks Brian, for watching and commenting.

[@brianfalzon6739]

@@whitcraft4578 np, never say never!

[@floydrandol2731]

She is a Beautiful! C-41 wasn’t that what they Converted to 2-8-2’s Mud Hens? She does a nice job and seem to get up and Run High Ball.

[@whitcraft4578]

Thanks for watching and your special comment. Sorry, Not sure about a Beautiful! C-41 that was Converted to 2-8-2’s, Mud Hens.

[@mrgbluecar]

the smoke and train is amazing until it started a huge forest fire several years ago. eveyday all my neighbors and us had to leave our homes by noon to get out the smoke and lung issues. that train is a disaster for everyone . except the business in town but they dont care ,only want money