Rotary OY On The Cumbres & Toltec RR

Published Apr 14, 2020 By Robert Blue

Clearing the line with the OY rotary!

The Cumbres Pass in Colorado rises to an elevation of more than 10,000 feet. Supplying the power to get the job done are the Denver & Rio Grand Western K-28 locomotives #487 & #484.

Some quick facts about #487 & 484

Builder – ALCO American Locomotive Company – 1923
configuration – 2-8-2
Drive diameter – 44 inches
locomotive weight – 140,000 lbs
Past operators: Denver & Rio Grande Western, White Pass & Yukon, and Durango & Silverton

The “O” was the designation given to all non revenue producing equipment when the line was part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. At one time, the D&RGW railroad had 26 pieces of 3 foot narrow gauge equipment including wedges, flangers, and rotary plows.

The states of New Mexico and Colorado purchased the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1970 and renamed it the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railraod.

Let us know if you have ever had a chance to take an excursion on the historic railroad. We would love to hear about your experience!