ITEM E427

By John Kelly

Founded in 1870, Denver & Rio Grande Railroad—also known as Rio Grande—operated narrow gauge, standard gauge, and diesel locomotives in the spectacular Colorado Rockies. Their slogan was ''Through the Rockies, not Around Them.''

Narrow gauge photos include 2-8-0 Consolidations and 2-8-2 Mikado's. Standard gauge 4-8-4 Baldwin-built locomotives comprised the Class M-64 and M-68 ''Northerns'' but Rio Grande liked to call them ''Mountains.'' By 1956, Rio Grande entered the diesel era with Electro-Motive built passenger and freight locomotives FT, F3, F7, General Purpose and Special Duty series. Electro-Motive SD40T-2 ''Tunnel Motors,'' SD45 and SD50 locomotives are featured. Other photos include American Locomotive PA-PB and RS-3 series, Fairbanks-Morse H-15-44, and diesel-hydraulic ML-4 locomotives from German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei.

Featured is a special color photo section of Denver & Rio Grande locomotives along the scenic Royal Gorge Route and the magnificent Moffat Tunnel Route. Other highlights include a system map, timetables and magazine advertising. Overall a delightful volume that will appeal to all railfans.

Softbound, 120 illustrations, 10.25”x8.5”, 128 pages