Interesting Narrow Gauge Shot

Don, I assume this is a real Rio Grande steamer since you buy only Milwaukee Road.

Modelers on this forum have gotten so good it can be a challenge figuring out what is prototype and what is scale.  Probably the darker stack smoke and the lighter pop off valve steam are the real clue. I guess this location is on the Colorado side and not Arizona or Texas borders.  Texas is too flat that direction. But Arizona is a close second, but narrow gauge into Colorado makes more sense given the mining activity. 

  Jeff

@ScoutingDad posted:

Don, I assume this is a real Rio Grande steamer since you buy only Milwaukee Road.

Modelers on this forum have gotten so good it can be a challenge figuring out what is prototype and what is scale.  Probably the darker stack smoke and the lighter pop off valve steam are the real clue. I guess this location is on the Colorado side and not Arizona or Texas borders.  Texas is too flat that direction. But Arizona is a close second, but narrow gauge into Colorado makes more sense given the mining activity.

  Jeff

That is one of the many operable narrow gauge 2-8-2 steam locomotives on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, on a part of the original D&RGW narrow gauge main line between New Mexico and Colorado, over Cumbres Pass. NOT Arizona nor Texas.

I must admit that I'm not much for the "artsy-crafty" photos, unless they show the "human interest" aspect of the scene.

I like the shot.  There's nothing to "date" it.

Here's sister 487 at the Chama coaling tower in 1977:

Rusty