To suggest that the D&SNGRR consider new ideas is not an attack on the train, the owner, the community or the value of historic preservation in general. It is only a request to consider the possibility of a better way.
The train could use natural gas as fuel and keep the steam engine. The success of an alternate fuel to heat the boiler for the same authentic engine is solely dependent on the marketing. If marketed with enthusiasm, tourists would embrace the change. Tourists do not ride the train because it is coal fired. They ride because: it’s scenic, it’s historic, it’s in Durango (and Silverton), and it’s one of many things to do while visiting.
Why not convert one engine to natural gas fuel and see if fewer people want to ride it? The sound of the locomotive, the steam, the whistle and everything else would be the same. If the train doesn’t want to try it, maybe a private party could and lease the tracks from D&SNGRR for the “DS Natural Gas RR” train trips.
William Holden
Durango
