The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is gearing up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the most recognizable locomotive types from the famed Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge: The K-36. 

Ten K-36 2-8-2 locomotives were built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925, and they served as the primary power on the Rio Grande narrow gauge main line well into the 1960s. Of the ten, nine still exist, and eight remain in operating condition, with four at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and five at the C&TS. The only one not to survive into the preservation era was 485, which fell into a turntable pit and was scrapped in 1955. 

The C&TS will host a series of events in Chama, N.M., to celebrate the anniversary from August 13 to August 17. Festivities will begin with an opening ceremony on August 13, followed by walking tours, evening whistle salutes, and even a birthday celebration with cake. Additional tours will take place on August 14, and there will be a parade of steam that evening at 5:30 p.m. There will also be several special freight runs for photographers. While the freight runs are ticketed events, the walking tours, steam parade, and others are free to attend. 

For more information, visit the railroad’s website.