481, the Last Coal Burner
SKU: DVD-GSVP-250Original price was: $29.95.$24.95Current price is: $24.95.
Due to the possibility of fire from coal embers, K-36 #481 can only be run in the winter – but boy does she look good in the winter!
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| Producer | Greg Scholl Video Productions |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Narration | Limited, On-Screen Titles |
| Shrink Wrap | Yes, Brand New |
| Technical Details | No Region Code, NTSC, Widescreen |
Due to the possibility of fire from coal embers, the Durango and Silverton has been converting its fleet of steam engines to burn oil. As a precaution 481, a coal burner, is only allowed to operate in the winter, and preferably when there is snow on the ground. A few days prior to these photographer’s specials there was a good snowfall, with plenty of snow to enjoy in the higher elevations.
Our consist is a mixed train with freight cars, coaches, and a caboose, which is similar to the way the former Denver & Rio Grande Western operated the Branch line to Silverton into the 1960s. The first day we chase the train from Durango and see it in the valley, and climbing Hermosa Hill to Rockwood. At Rockwood we board the train, and do several well-planned photo runbys in the remote and scenic Animas River Canyon. There were two runbys on the High Bridge over the river near Tacoma, and then we enjoy scenes along the river from the train. That night is a real treat – a photo shoot in Durango near the roundhouse. We watch the engine sitting in the fading twilight with a history segment on the 481.
The next day trip we’re the only train on the railroad. We first make a trip around the turning loop in Durango, since the train had not been turned the day before. Then we shoot video up Hermosa Hill from the train from Hermosa to Rockwood. In between we stop at what is called the mini-highline just east of Shalona Crossing, and do 2 morning runbys. As usual 481 puts on a great show. We then do runbys near Rockwood and along the highline shelf west of Rockwood. We also do stops at the former AH Wilderness Guest Ranch, and both scenes feature Galloping Goose #5 in the shots as it was running as a special charter too.
481 for now is the last coal burner, and we seldom get to experience it operating. Who knows if it will remain a coal-burner or be converted to oil?
rickyfreni –
In this recent D&S title, 481 is operating on both freight & passenger specials on Sunday February 27, & the following Monday February 28, 2022. Which includes preparations at Durango, night scenes at the roundhouse with other D&RGW steamers & newly Acquired White Pass & Yukon Diesels from Skagway Alaska due to the massive wildfires in 2018 forcing most of the steam engines to be converted to oil except for 481: 473, 480, 482, 486, & newly restored 493 (476, & 478 haven’t been operational for a while), plus a couple of scenes of Galloping Goose motor car number 5 which more scenes of the Galloping Goose on the February 2022 trips with 481 can be seen in another recent GSVP title: RGS 20 & Friends, not to mention some onboard footage of the mixed train itself. Which includes passing by RGS 41’s cab, a rusty 498, a Polar Express Tender, & another WP&Y diesel now painted in D&S colors while turning on the loop track.
Aside from the footage of Brady Sanker, James Parfrey of Steam Train Videos was also at the event as well.
During the history segment of 481, there are some vintage film clips of the engine in 1960 by Ray Pelot, as well as a couple of still images of 481 in 1981 by Mike Ramsey which is part of the Richard Bell Collection, not to mention a February 2011 clip of 478 on the high line by Ron Burkhard.