Silverton Sees Trains Again

The daily trains out of Durango have left the winter terminous of Cascade Canyon behind for the summer terminous of Silverton, Colorado. The coming of the summer season is good news for the town of Silverton which relys heavily on tourist business and support the local stores and resturants. Summer brings wild flowers, sun, and green grass to the Silverton valley. A valley that often sees more than a doven feet of snow. The summer season means increased business for the railroad and the two cities of Durang and Silverton.

Summer Season is Here

The 2011 season for the Cumbres & Toltec begins on April 26. The 2011 season is expected to be a huge come-back year for the state-funded railroad. The Lobato Trestle is still under construction and is expected to be ready by opening day. The railroad also completed two rebuilds of locomotives over the winter. Locomotive #488 underwent a complete rebuild, and locomotive #487 underwent yearly work and both locomotives got a fresh coat of paint. The railroad has also been in the process of restoring locomotive #463. The locomotive hasn't seen service in a number of years and is much anticipated to return this season.

Lobato Trestle Work

Work on the Laboto trestle pushes on as the season is less than a month away now. Arrival of all of the replacement girders and the multiple cranes means that the real work can now get under way. The construction crew has begun the removal of the chared timbers and the building of an extensive scaffolding to make the required repairs. The construction crew has also graded a road that runs down to the edge of the trestle. Work on the cement foundations in the creekbed is also underway. Along with getting a complete rebuild, the trestle will get a fresh new coat of paint. A metalic silver color. The completion of the trestle will mark an important achievement in the railroads history.