| D&RGW No. 346 is a C-19 class 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type narrow gauge steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1881 for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG), later known as the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW). It was originally named "Cumbres" and wore road number 406. Loco #406 was primarily used in helper service. In 1923, it was renumbered 346, and in 1924, it was fitted with a new boiler. 346 was wrecked on Kenosha Pass after the locomotive rolled over on a curve. 346 was rebuilt in the Denver shops. 346 was sent to the Montezuma Lumber Company in 1947, to be used on the Rio Grande Southern just outside of Durango. When the mill burned down, the engine was no longer needed. Bob Richardson, one of the museum founders, bought 346 in 1950, and managed to get it to Alamosa, where he placed the locomotive at the Narrow Gauge Motel. Rail fan Jim Lockart too this nice color roster slide. |