D&SNG No. 478 is a K-28 class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type narrow gauge steam locomotive built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1923 for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG), later known as the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW). It pulled trains across the D&RGW's narrow gauge system until being moved to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG). 478 now runs excursions at the D&SNG and, as of today, is one of eight operable steam locomotives on the railroad. 478 is also one of three K-28 class locomotives still in existence today, the others being Nos. 473 and 476.
In 2015, 478 was almost traded to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS) in Chama, NM in exchange for class K-36 steam locomotive 483, but ultimately, the swap never went through. 478 was later taken out of service indefinitely in April 2016, as of today, No. 478 is placed on static display at the D&SNG roundhouse museum awaiting future for an overhaul. On October 17, 2023, 478 was moved out of the Durango roundhouse museum for the first time since April 2016 (but not steamed up) where it stood in the Durango yard limits alongside both 473 and 476 to celebrate the 100th birthday of the D&RGW K-28 class. One day later, on October 18, 2023, the D&SNG officially announced via Facebook that work to restore 478 back to service again is expected to begin in early 2024. The work is estimated to take between 24 to 36 months to complete and will also include a conversion to burn oil instead of coal just like both 473 and 476.
Trivia[]
- The locomotive appeared in the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as UP No. 478 made a movie star from Union Pacific.
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