DRGW GP40#3066, GP30 #3019 and SD45

: Glenwood Springs, CO, Summer, 1971

On route 6 along the Glenwood Canyon, there used to be a parking lot for "Hanging Lake" trail. It was also a view point for Rio Grande actions. I was fascinated by hearing the roars of Rio Grande diesels echo with the Glenwood Canyon. Thus, this is where my enthusiasm for Rio Grande was begun. Unfortunately, replaced I-70 bypasses here through the tunnel.

Here, in this photo, a Rio Grande eastbound train led by DRGW GP40#3066, GP30 #3019 and a SD45 is represented.

DRGW #3066 was built in 1966. She was demoted to B-unit in 1972, removing speed recorders, cab sunshades and other cab features. She was retired in 1997 and rebuilt as UP GP38M-2 #2578 ( renumbered to #1078 in 2001).
DRGW #3019 was built in 1963. She was retired in 1993 and sold to OmniTRAX in 1995.

photo of DRGW #3066 found at DRGW.Net site:
photo of UP #1078 found at RR Picture Archives site;
photo of DRGW #3019 found at RR Picture Archives site;

EMD GP40 was built between 1965 and 1971 with 3000hp prime mover. 1201 units were sold in United States.
EMD GP30 was built between 1961 and 1963 with 2250hp prime mover. 906 units were sold in United States.

Japanese & Comments

DRGW SD45s

: Glenwood Springs, CO, Summer, 1971

On route 6 along the Glenwood Canyon, met this Rio Grande eastbound train led by SD45.

Colorado River shows another expression in this segment of the Glenwood Canyon.

Japanese & Comments

DRGW GP40s

: Dotsero, CO. Summer, 1971

On route 6 between Wolcott and Glenwood Springs, met this westbound Rio Grande train.

In the photo are 3 DRGW GP40s leading "Fast FORD" (I'm not sure but the D&TS high-cube boxcar is next to the locomotive ).


大きな地図で見る

Japanese & Comments

DRGW GP9 and F7s

: Toponas, CO, Summer, 1971

On state highway 131 between Rocky Mountain National Park and Glenwood Springs, met this westbound Rio Grande train on Craig Branch.

In the photo are a GP9 and F7A+B+B+A+A set in "Perlman Mallet" style.
The round mirror in the photo belongs to our 1964 Oldsmobile.


大きな地図で見る

Japanese & Comments

DRGW SD40T-2 #5371

The “Last of a Breed” is being displayed at Ogden Union Station since 2009.

D&RGW #5371 was built in 1975 with 3000hp prime mover. She made her last revenue run to East Carbon on Feb. 29, 2008. She was retired on Dec. 5, same year. You can see and read more about this particular locomotive in Mike Danneman’s book “Last of a Breed” .

She recently had lights re-installed on short hood, which were long gone and cover-plated. According to Facebook page, the Gyralight is a temporary until acquiring a MARS light to install. The difference is that while Gyralight makes a circular motion, MARS Light makes a figure-eight motion.

All photos taken on Sep. 10, 2014.

revised, Oct. 16 2014

Here are some detail photos;


: mark of hard boots still remains at steps. Notice the two kinds of handrail stanchion.

: serial number 756046-16 can be read.


: Three MU hoses aren’t in same size nor evenly spaced.


: unpatched number, the prove of the “Last of a Breed”. Notice the mirror and wind deflector are installed asymmetrically.

: burnt hood is one of the characteristics of Rio Grande locomotives.


: number above the rear headlight, which my N scale IM model doesn’t have.


: of course, this creature is made from sheet of steel. Bending works are seen at steps and rear buffer beam.

: even the prototype seems have several kinds of Aspen Golds.


: traction motor hanging from truck frame, which is a striking feature but my N scale IM model doesn’t have.

Japanese & Comments

DRGW Caboose #01457

This D&RGW steel riveted end cupola caboose is being displayed in front of the Ogden Union Station.

D&RGW #01457 was built in 1947 at railroad’s Burnham Shops in Denver, CO. It was originally painted black with yellow pinstripes. It was repainted to this scheme in 1975. Windows were covered in 1985.

1996 photo of DRGW #01457 found at RR Picture Archives site;

Early morning sunlight makes shadow of trees on her; visiting late in the morning would be better. All photos taken on Sep. 10, 2014.

revised, Oct. 16 2014

Here are some detail photos:


: conductor’s end of DRGW 01457


: stay of cupola sunshade is indeed delicate; same to Trainworx detail parts. Notice the cap at the end of ladder.

: inside the end platform. Pipes with various diameters are used to build safety equipment.


: outside the end platform


: frame, trucks and brake components


: ACI plate and Consolidated Stencils. Notice the D&RGW relief on the truck.


: the “ACTION road” logo

Japanese & Comments

DRGW Caboose #01504

This D&RGW steel offset wide-vision cupola caboose is being displayed at the Ogden Union Station.

D&RGW #01504 was built in 1966 by International Car Co. It was originally painted gold and silver with single black stripe.

1974 photo of DRGW #01504 found at Fallen Flags site;

All photos taken on Sep. 10, 2014.

revised, Oct. 16 2014

: red (right) and clear (center) electric marker lights installed on eaves.


: bottom of extended cupola; no details, not even the cutwater.


: smoke stack, cupola and cupola handrail


: some under frame components


: ACI plate, Consolidated Stencils and Barber-Bettendorf truck.


: it seems this Aspen Gold paint is a product of Dupont.


: Consolidated Stencils


: the “ACTION road” logo

Japanese & Comments

DRGW HT #19174

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

This D&RGW quad hopper car is found at Helper, Utah. It still keeps the original scheme including stacked Rio Grande logo introduced in 1968.

D&RGW #19174 is one of 19000-19194 series HT built in 1975 by Bethlehem Steel Car Co.
N scale model of this series of cars are produced by Trainworx.

D&RGW 19000-19194 series Hopper cars:
The D&RGW series 19000 to 19194 is shown with AAR Designation HT and description “Hop., Stl., Quadruple Hop.” The inside length of these cars is 47 feet 11 inches, inside width 9 feet 9 inches, inside height 8 feet 1 inches, outside length 54 feet 1 inches, extreme height 14 feet 6 inches and capacity 3483 cubic feet or 200,000 pounds.

2006 photo of DRGW #19174 found at RR Picture Archives site;

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW LO #AX-18399

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

This D&RGW two-bay covered hopper car is found at Helper, Utah. It still keeps original scheme including the flying Rio Grande logo.

D&RGW #AX-18399 was one of 18350-18449 series LO built in 1949 by Pullman-Standard. This particular car is assigned to carry locomotive sand.

D&RGW 18350-18449 series Covered Hopper cars:
The D&RGW series 18350 to 18449 is shown with AAR Designation LO and description “Covered Hop., Stl.” only. The inside length of these cars is 29 feet 3 inches, inside width 9 feet 5 inches, outside length 34 feet 3 inches, extreme height 12 feet 10 inches and capacity 1892 cubic feet or 154,000 pounds.

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

According to Derrick Klarr at Facebook group Denver & Rio Grande Western Worldwide, the car is moved to Heber for preservation on July 6, 2015.

revised, Jul. 8, 2015

Japanese & Comments

DRGW MWE #042

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

This D&RGW snow spreader is found at Helper, Utah. It is a part of Western Mining and Railroad Museum outdoor display.

D&RGW MWE #042 was built in 1913, rebuilt in 1941 by the railroad. It was retired after the UP merger and donated to the museum. It has been displayed at the corner of S 100 W St. and Ivy St.

* 1982 photo of DRGW #042 found at RR Picture Archives site;
* 1986 photo of #042 found at RailPictures site;

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW XM #67XXX

: Helper, UT Sep. 10, 2014

This D&RGW 40’ boxcar without trucks is found opposite the Rio Grande main at the south of Helper, Utah on N Spring Glen Rd. It barely keeps flying logo and the number starting with 67.

40’ long, 12-panel riveted side, two-piece improved Dreadnaught end, 6’ width 7-panel Superior door and number starting with 67 suggest this boxcar as one of 67500-67999 series XM.

D&RGW #67500-67999 series XM was built in 1946 by Pressed Steel Car Co.

D&RGW 67500-67999 series Box cars:
The D&RGW series 67500 to 67999 is shown with AAR Designation XM and description “Box, Stl.” only. The inside length of these cars is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 2 inches, inside height 10 feet 4 inches, outside length 42 feet 11 inches, extreme height 15 feet and capacity 3850 cubic feet or 110,000 pounds.

* 1992 photo of DRGW #67812 found at Fallen Flag site;

Japanese & Comments

DRGW MWF #AX-3215

: Green River, UT Sep. 10, 2014
: Green River, UT Sep. 9, 2017

This D&RGW MOW flat car is found at Green River, Utah. It still keeps the original scheme including the flying Rio Grande logo.

D&RGW AX-3215 is one of AX-3210 to -3219 series Rail Panel Cars. These cars were converted in 1967 from 22000-22199 series 15 pockets, riveted side, AAR design flat cars built in 1944 by Mt. Vernon Car Manufacturing Co.

D&RGW 22000 - 22199 series Flat cars:
The D&RGW series 22000 to 22199 is shown with AAR Designation FM and description “Flat, Stl., Under fr.” The inside length of these cars is 53 feet 6 inches, inside width 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 53 feet 6 inches, extreme height 5 feet 3 inches, and capacity 110,000 pounds.

revised, Jun. 20, 2021

: Green River, UT Sep. 10, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW Caboose #01508

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

This D&RGW steel offset wide-vision cupola caboose is found at Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort near Marysvale, Utah. It has been converted to a lodge; original paint and letterings are lost.

D&RGW #01508 was built in 1966 by International Car Co. It was originally painted gold and silver with single black stripe.

* 1967 photo of DRGW #01508 found at Fallen Flag site;

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW XM/L #63767

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

This D&RGW double door boxcar is found at Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort near Marysvale, Utah. It has been repainted; original paint and letterings are gone. But the combination of 3/4 Improved Dreadnaught end, 7+8 Youngstown door, and remnants of roof walk suggest this car as one of the 63700-63799 series XM/L. The photo of the particular car before the repainting at Panoramio shows this car as DRGW #63767.

DRGW #63700-63799 series XM/Ls were built in 1963 by ACF for hauling copper concentrate from Kennecott Copper Corp. in Garfield, Utah and International Smelting & Refining near Tooele, Utah. They were delivered in gold and silver scheme. Some were later repainted to single gold with black end scheme.

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW XM #63XXX

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

This D&RGW double door boxcar is found at Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort near Marysvale, Utah. It has been repainted; original paint and letterings are gone. But the distinctive pressed panels beside doors suggest this boxcar as one of the 63300-63499 series XM, painted boxcar red with flying Rio Grande logo. You can barely see how it was before the repainting in the photo at Panoramio.

DRGW #63300-63499 series XM were built in 1966 by ACF. They were built without roof walk.

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

Japanese & Comments

DRGW XM #63119

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

This D&RGW combination door boxcar is found at Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort near Marysvale, Utah. It has been repainted; original paint and letterings are gone. But the sill style and gussets beside the door opening suggest this boxcar as one of 63100-63199 series XM. The photo of the particular car at Panoramio before the repainting shows this car as DRGW #63119.

DRGW #63119 was one of 63100-63199 series XM, built in 1968 by Evans Products.

: Sevier County, UT Sep. 15, 2014

Japanese & Comments

SFS Caboose #01, ex-DRGW #01444

: Lamy, NM. Sep. 13, 2015

This ex-D&RGW riveted steel end cupola caboose is found at Santa Fe Southern Railway(SFS) yard at Lamy, New Mexico. This caboose used to tuck into a beer distributor’s spur on SFS at Santa Fe along with another Rio Grande caboose and an ATSF boxcar, until 2014.

This car, former DRGW #01444 has been heavily graffiti but still keeps Rio Grande paint and letterings.　But, according to Ozark Mountain Railcar web site, it completely lost its original interior furnishings.

D&RGW #01444 was built in 1945 by railroad’s Burnham Shops in Denver, CO. It was originally painted black with yellow pinstripes. It became SFS #01 in the ’90s.

* photo of DRGW #01444 found at Fallen Flag site;

: Lamy, NM. Sep. 13, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFS Caboose #03, ex-DRGW #01488

: Lamy, NM. Sep. 13, 2015

This ex-D&RGW welded steel end cupola caboose is found at Santa Fe Southern Railway(SFS) yard at Lamy, new Mexico. This caboose used to tuck into a beer distributor’s spur on SFS at Santa Fe along with another Rio Grande caboose and an ATSF boxcar, until 2014.

This car, former DRGW #01488 has been heavily graffiit. I have no idea for the origin of this “negative” single-stripe scheme. According to Ozark Mountain Railcar web site, this car partly keeps its original interior furnishings.

DRGW #01488 was built in 1959 by railroad’s Burnham Shops in Denver, CO. It was originally painted yellow/silver with single black stripe. It became SFS #03 in the 90’s.

* 1977 photo of DRGW #01488 found at Railroad Picture Archives site;

: Lamy, NM. Sep. 13, 2015

Japanese & Comments

SFS Caboose #02, ex-DRGW #01440

: Santa Fe, NM. Sep. 14, 2015

This ex-D&RGW riveted steel end cupola caboose is found at the corner of Cerrillos Rd and St Francis Dr in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It has been repainted and lost its original paint and letterings.

D&RGW #01440 was built in 1944 by railroad’s Burnham Shops in Denver, CO. It was originally painted black with yellow pin stripes. It became SFS #02 in the 90’s.

* 1974 photo of DRGW #01440 found at Railroad Picture Archives site;

Japanese & Comments

DRGW HT #12548

: Cisco, UT. Sep. 10, 2017

This D&RGW quad hopper car is found at Cisco, Utah.

According to the book Morning Sun Color Guide to Rio Grande, D&RGW #12548 is one of 12500-12849 series HT built in 1982 by Bethlehem Steel Car Co. Preceding are 12000-12499 series built in 1979, the 19000 series built from 1975 and the 16000 series built from 1964.

It still keeps the original reporting mark and number but lost the stacked flying Rio Grande logo. N scale model of this series of cars were produced by Trainworx.


D&RGW 12500-12849 series Hopper Cars:
The D&RGW series 12500 to 12849 is shown with AAR Designation HT and description “Hop., Stl., Quadruple Hop.”

The inside length of these cars is 47 feet 11 inches, inside width 9 feet 9 inches, inside height 8 feet 1 inche, outside length 54 feet 1 inches, extreme height 14 feet 6 inches and capacity 3483 cubic feet or 200,000 pounds.

* 2008 photo of the exact car found at RR Picture Archives site;
* 2010 photo of DRGW #12550 with the flying logo found at RR Picture Archives site;

Japanese & Comments

DRGW SM #39120, 39293 and 391**

: DRGW 39120

These D&RGW stock cars were found at Wasson, a siding 2.6 miles from Creede. Barely remained numbers on ends suggest these cars as #39120, 39293 and an unidentified from left to right in the photo above. I believe these are the only existing standard gauge D&RGW stock cars except #39210 formerly preserved at Depot Park Museum in Sonoma, CA and moved to Niles Canyon Railway in 2020.

: DRGW 39120
: DRGW 391**

According to Morning Sun Color Guide(MSCG) to Rio Grande, 39100 – 39199 series SMs were built between 1939 and 1940, and 39200 – 39399 series SMs were built between 1944 and 1945. The unidentified car seems the one another from the series 39100 – 39199 according to the barely read built-date on it.

According to the D&RGW Freight Equipment Diagram, 39200 – 39399 series SMs were built by the railroad and had Bettendorf or Andrews trucks, Murphy pressed steel roof, Murphy 2-piece ends, Ajax hand brake, and steel Apex running boards.

: DRGW 39293

Resources for these Rio Grande standard gauge stock cars are few, contrary to the narrow gauge equipment. Chuck Conway writes that the Rio Grande stock cars were condemned in the ’70s and sold to a scrapper near Alamosa[1]. These cars seem escaped from there.


D&RGW 39100 – 39399 series Stock Cars:
The Official Railway Equipment Register for July 1974 shows the group with only 21 cars of possible 300 cars in place, described as follows:

The D&RGW series 39100 to 39399 is shown with AAR Designation SM and description “Stock” only.

The inside length of these cars is 36 feet 6 inches, inside width 8 feet 10 inches, inside height 8 feet 8 inches, outside length 39 feet 4 inches, extreme height 13 feet 5 inches and capacity 2800 cubic feet or 88,000 pounds.

All photos were taken on Sep. 7, 2017

revised, Aug. 17, 2018

revised, Sep. 23, 2020

[1] Conway, Chuck (1987) “Last roundup”, August 1987 Trains, Kalmbach Publishing
* 1958 photo of DRGW 39100 appears in Dec. 2018 Trains magazine

: DRGW 391** and NG stock car

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW XM #67924

: DRGW 67924

This D&RGW boxcar is found at Del Norte, Colorado.

Body style, barely read letterings “6*924” on end and “EXW 10’-8, IL 40’-6” on its side suggest this car as D&RGW XM #6*(7 or 8)924.

Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG) shows #67682 from the series 67500 – 67999, with Improved Dreadnaught end with large rolling-pin shaped ribs and top rib truncated, as post-war cars built in 1946. These features are common with the particular car found at Del Norte. Accordingly, I decided to represent this car as #67924.

According to the letterings, the particular car was assigned for potash loading at Grand Junction.


D&RGW 67500 – 69899 series Boxcars:
The Official Railway Equipment Register for July 1974 pushes both post-war cars and wartime cars into one series with 200 cars in place, described as follows:

The D&RGW series 67500 to 69899 is shown with AAR Designation XM and description “Box, Stl” only.

The inside length of these cars is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 2 inches, inside height 10 feet 4 inches, outside length 40 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet and capacity 3850 cubic feet or 110,000 pounds.


The 1974 ORER shows these cars with outside width at eaves of 9’ 3”, contrary to EW 9’ 4” lettered on the particular car. Here is my research:

According to MSCG, the 67500 – 69899 series boxcars are consisted of five groups: series 68000 - 68399, 68400 - 68899, 68900 - 69399, 69400 - 69899, and 67500 - 67999.

The 68000 - 68399 series boxcars built by Pressed Steel Car in 1939 are likely lettered EW 9'-3" according to the photo of D&RGW #68337 found at MSCG.

The 68400 - 68899 and 68900 - 69399 series boxcars are the additional orders following the preceding series and are also built by Pressed Steel Car in 1940 and 1941 respectively.

The 69400 – 69899 series boxcars built by Pressed Steel Car in 1942 are likely lettered EW 9'-3" according to the photo of D&RGW #69676 found at Railroad Photo Archives site[1].

D&RGW #67682 found at MSCG and the particular car I found at Del Norte, both from 67500 – 67999 series boxcars built by Pressed Steel Car in 1946, are lettered EW 9'-4". Accordingly, only 67500 – 67999 series boxcars are likely lettered EW 9'-4".


All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017

[1] 1979 photo of D&RGW #69676 at Railroad picture Archives web page;
* 2014 photo of D&RGW #67*** from the same series found at Helper, Utah;

: DRGW 67924

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW XM #68998, #68635, and #unknown

: DRGW 68998

This D&RGW boxcar is found at Monte Vista, Colorado.

Here is a sample of pre-war D&RGW 40’ all-steel boxcars: according to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 4/5 Dreadnaught end proves the particular car as one of the 68900 – 69399 series boxcars built in 1941 by Pressed Steel Car. Barely read AX- prefix indicates that this car was in company service.


D&RGW 67500 – 69899 series Boxcars:
The Official Railway Equipment Register for July 1974 pushes both post-war cars and wartime cars into one series with 200 cars in place, described as follows:

The D&RGW series 67500 to 69899 is shown with AAR Designation XM and description “Box, Stl” only.

The inside length of these cars is 40 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 2 inches, inside height 10 feet 4 inches, outside length 40 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet and capacity 3850 cubic feet or 110,000 pounds.

According to MSCG, the 67500 – 69899 series XMs are consisted of five groups:
68000 – 68399 series XMs built by Pressed Steel Car in 1939,
68400 – 68899 series XMs built by Pressed Steel Car in 1940,
68900 – 69399 series XMs built by Pressed Steel Car in 1941,
69400 – 69899 series XMs built by Pressed Steel Car in 1942,
67500 – 67999 series XMs built by Pressed Steel Car in 1946.

: DRGW 68023, Sep. 1952 Railway Purchases and Stores Magazine
: DRGW 68998


Here is another, but a somewhat sad sample of pre-war D&RGW 40’ all-steel boxcar I found at Grand Junction, Colorado: D&RGW #68635 from the series 68400 – 68899 boxcars built by Pressed Steel Car in 1940.

: DRGW 68635
: DRGW 68635

Another boxcar, likely from the same series, is found in the same junkyard.

All photos are taken in Sep. 6, 2017.

revised, Jan. 14, 2020

: D&RGW #unknown

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW RBL #60685, 60687 and 60705

: DRGW 60685
: DRGW 60687
: DRGW 60705

These D&RGW insulated boxcars are found apart in Colorado near Del Norte and Gunnison.

#60685 is found 6.5 miles west from Del Norte on the south side of US Hwy 160.

#60687 is found 2 miles west from Del Norte on the north side of US Hwy 160. Unfortunately, however, tank cars stored on SLRG line get in the way of us taking photos, as of September 2017. More reliable photo of this particular car can be seen at Fallenflags site[1].

#60705 is found at Gunnison on S Main St.

According to Rio Grande Morning Sun Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), these cars were built by Pacific Car & Foundry in 1960.


D&RGW 60600 – 60714 series Insulated Boxcars:
The Official Railway Equipment Register for July 1974 shows the group with 107 cars of possible 115 cars in place, described as follows:

The D&RGW series 60600 to 60714 is shown with AAR Designation RBL and description “Refrig., Stl., Insulated, Waugh-Cush. Underfr., Plug Doors, Car-Pac Loader”.

The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 1 inch, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 9 feet 9 inches, outside length 53 feet 6 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4555 cubic feet or 140,000 pounds.

Photo of Car-Pac (and also DFB, DF, and LD) device is provided at Wheels of Time web site[2].

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017

[1] 2006 photo of #60687 at Fallenflags site;
[2] More details from the actual prototype and from the model, Wheels of Time;

: DRGW 60705

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW XM #63303, 63325 and 63396

: DRGW 63325
: DRGW 63325
: DRGW 63325

These D&RGW boxcars are found apart at Monte Vista and near Del Norte.

#63303 is found at Monte Vista next to the SLRG track on North Broadway St. We can see the back of "Precision Design" recessed panels next to the door.

#63325 is found at Monte Vista on SLRG siding. It still keeps the wood-lined interior and numbers printed on every door and lintel.

#63396 is found 6 miles west of Del Norte, next to Hanna siding on the north side of US Hwy 160. More reliable photo of this particular car with number “396” visible is found at Trainboard site[1].

According to Rio Grande Morning Sun Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), these cars, built in 1966 by American Car & Foundry, were the last new freight equipment to wear the flying logo.


D&RGW 63300 – 63499 series Boxcars:
The Official Railway Equipment Register for July 1974 shows the group with 194 cars of possible 200 cars in place, described as follows:

The D&RGW series 63300 to 63499 is shown with AAR Designation XM and description “Box, Stl., Wood Lined, Cush. Underfr., 50000 lb Nailable Stl. Flr., Roller Bearings”.

The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 55 feet 2 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4941 cubic feet or 145,000 pounds.


#63*** from this series found in Utah is shown here. And my N scale model of #63341 from this series is shown here.

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017

[1] 2013 photo of #63396 at Trainboard site;

: DRGW 63303
: DRGW 63303
: DRGW 63396
　
　

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW XL #63773

: DRGW 63773

This D&RGW boxcar is found at Gunnison, Colorado.

According to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 63700 – 63799 series cars were built in 1963 by American Car & Foundry. The stencil on the body shows this car was assigned to copper bullion loading at Salt Lake City, Utah.


D&RGW 63712 – 63799 series Boxcars
The Official Railway Equipment Register (ORER) for July 1974 shows the group with 80 cars of possible 88 in place, accompanied with 12 another cars 63700 to 63711 (see appending), described as follows:

AAR Designation XL and description “Box, Stl., Sparton Easy Loader, (Copper Bullion), [Kennecott Copper Co./Garfield/UT & U.S. Smelting & Refining Co./International/UT]”.

The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 57 feet 5 inches, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4928 cubic feet or 140,000 pounds.


Appending;

D&RGW 63700, designated XP, is described as “Box, Stl., No Side lining, Rub Rails, Loader Complement in Doorways Only, (Chevrolet Axles)”.
D&RGW 63701, designated XM, is described as “Box, Stl.” only.
D&RGW 63702, designated XL, is described as “Box, Stl., Evans DF Loaders”.
D&RGW 63703, designated XL, is also described as “Box, Stl., Evans DF Loaders”.
D&RGW 63704 – 63708, designated XL, is also described as “Box, Stl., Evans DF Loaders”.
D&RGW 63710 – 63711, designated XM, is described as “Box, Stl., Sparton Easy Loader, (Copper Bullion), [Kennecott Copper Co./Garfield/UT & U.S. Smelting & Refining Co./International/UT]”.

These cars listed above have the same dimensions but different AAR designations and/or capacities compared with 63712 – 63799 series cars.


Photos of D&RGW 63767 from the same series are shown here, and my N scale model of #63767 is shown here.

All photos were taken on Sep. 6, 2017


: DRGW 63773
　
　

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW XM #63043

: DRGW 63043

This D&RGW boxcar is found at Monte Vista, Colorado.

According to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 63000 – 63099 series cars were built in 1968 by General American Transportation Company. The main differences between these cars and 63100 – 63199 series cars built by Evans Products same year are the length of the side sill and the lack of gussets beside the door opening.

D&RGW 63000 – 63099 series Boxcars
The Official Railway Equipment Register (ORER) for July 1974 shows the group with 98 cars of possible 100 in place, described as follows:

AAR Designation XM and description “Box, Stl. 20” Travel Cush. Under fr., Nailable Stl. Flr., 15’ Double Doors - 8’ Sliding & 7’ Plug-Sliding Doors, Roller Bearings”.

The inside length of these cars is 50 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 4 inches, inside height 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 58 feet, extreme height 15 feet 1 inch and capacity 4971 cubic feet or 150,000 pounds.

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017


　
　

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW GB #30132

: DRGW 30132

This D&RGW gondola car is found at Monte Vista, Colorado.

According to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 30100 – 30149 series cars were built in 1949 by Bethlehem Steel Car. It used to have Dreadnaught drop ends, which seems lost unnoticed.


D&RGW 30100 – 30149 series Gondola Cars
The Official Railway Equipment Register (ORER) for July 1974 shows the group with 48 cars of possible 50 in place, described as follows:

AAR Designation GB and description “Gond., Stl. Drop Ends”.

The inside length of these cars is 65 feet 6 inches, inside width 7 feet 9 inches, inside height 3 feet 6 inches, outside length 67 feet 4 inches, extreme height 7 feet 1 inch and capacity 1774 cubic feet or 154,000 pounds.

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017


　
　

Japanese & Comments

D&RGW GB #55539

: DRGW 55539

This D&RGW gondola car is found at Monte Vista, Colorado.

According to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 55500 – 55549 series cars were built in 1968 by Bethlehem Steel Car. It has improved Dreadnaught fixed ends. AX- prefix indicates that this car was in company service.


D&RGW 55500 – 55549 series Gondola Cars
The Official Railway Equipment Register (ORER) for July 1974 shows the group with 50 cars in place, described as follows:

AAR Designation GB and description “Gond., Stl. Flat Bottom, Solid End”.

The inside length of these cars is 52 feet 6 inches, inside width 9 feet 6 inches, inside height 3 feet 6 inches, outside length 57 feet, extreme height 7 feet 1 inch and capacity 1746 cubic feet or 154,000 pounds.

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017


　
　

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D&RGW FM #23044

: DRGW 23044

This D&RGW flat car is found at Monte Vista, Colorado.

According to Rio Grande Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment (MSCG), 23000 – 23099 series cars were built in 1956 by American Car & Foundry.

AX- prefix indicates that this car was in company service. The small upside down star marking at the corner in the photo below is called "paint star" representing the place and date of repainting.


D&RGW 23000 – 23099 series Flat Cars
The Official Railway Equipment Register (ORER) for July 1974 shows the group with 98 cars of possible 100 in place, described as follows:

AAR Designation FM and description “Flat, Stl. Underfr”.

The inside length of these cars is 53 feet 6 inches, inside width 10 feet 6 inches, outside length 54 feet 2 inches, extreme height 5 feet 1 inch and capacity 110,000 pounds.

All photos are taken on Sep. 6, 2017

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