Rio Grande Steam Finale

By Lloyd E. Stagner

Dieselization of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad began in earnest in 1947 following its discharge from bankruptcy court after 12 years of receivership. Throughout the 1950s, steam engines were retired and by 1956, the only steam engines the Rio Grande operated were on its narrow gauge line between Alamosa, Colo., and Farmington, N.M. The Rio Grande moved to abandon the line in 1967, and freight service ceased a year later.