Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Locomotive No. 278 & Tender
Montrose County
The 1882 Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Locomotive No. 278 and its Tender represent one type of early motive power reflecting the evolution of the railroad’s growth. As the fortunes of the railroad improved, expanded operations in the mountainous area of western Colorado required heavier and more powerful locomotives. No. 278 is an excellent example of 2-8-0 consolidation locomotive that came into service.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Locomotive No. 278 & Tender (2008 photograph.)
The locomotive ran on the line until 1953. Locomotive No. 278 is also representative of the type and method of construction of narrow gauge locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for use by the D&RG. No. 278 is an excellent and rare example of only three surviving C-16 class narrow gauge locomotives of the D&RG.