The First Run of K-27 463 After Restoration

In early 2013, the K-27 463 was finally nearing the completion of a long restoration project that was being partially done and funded by the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec. The 463 is one of two K-27 left in existence out of a class of 15 that was built in 1903. The 463 was retired and sold to Gene Autry in 1955. The singer / actor donated the locomotive to the city of Antonito and was brought back to operation by the C&TS in 1994. In 2002, she was taken out of service needing major repairs. The Friends started in error in 2009 to bring her back, which leads us to early 2013. The 463 is ready for her break in runs and is scheduled to lead the equipment transfer from Antonito to Chama on May 20, 2013. There was a good bit of interest so the railroad decided to sell tickets on the coaches that the 463 was to bring over and the event was created. K-36 487 double headed with 463 since the engine was just coming out of major restoration as insurance.

A good friend, a major Friends member Jason Rose was going and asked if I would like to join him. I couldn't turn down a ride there and back. Blake and Berry Bogs also joined us. Jason always drives but he didn't think his truck was up for the trip so he rented a mini van which offered plenty of space!

Jason's trip report (which was used to jog my memory on this one) can be found here! He was also part of a group that put a video of the event together. Below is the video linked from his website. A direct link to the video is here.


Day 1 / 2
  • Day 1 (Saturday) - Leave Houston early, arrive in Chama, NM
  • Day 2 (Sunday) - Chase the Durango & Silverton

Day 3 / 4
  • Day 3 (Monday) - Ride the first run of 463 since the restoration Antonito to Chama
  • Day 4 (Tuesday) - Mad dash back to Houston