It was business as usual on Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge on June 1, 1966, as Class K-37 498 and mid-train helper 488 lift westbound tonnage of asphalt, drilling mud and pipe through beautiful Los Pinos meadows. The train has seven miles before reaching the summit at Cumbres Pass where the 488 will be cut out and run light ahead of the train down to Chama, N.M. This line is still in service with steam today as the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic.
Either a freight train being helped over a steep grade or a long passenger or freight train requiring more engines. This album includes Helpers and double heading trains of the old days both steam and diesel.