Rio Grande Southern 20: Through the Snow and Squalls

In early 2026, a legendary steam locomotive would make a grand return home, as Rio Grande Southern 20 led trains out of Durango, Colorado for the first time since 1951. RGS 20 in an 1899-built Alco 4-6-0, originally built for the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad. It was sold to the Rio Grande Southern in 1916, and operated for the RGS until 1951. Before it's retirement, 20 hit the silver screen in 'Ticket to Tomahawk', where the engine was dressed up in a colorful appearance and dubbed the 'Emma Sweeney.' A replica of the engine as it appeared in the film is still on display in Durango. In 2006, the Colorado Railroad Museum sent the 20 to Strasburg, PA for a restoration to operation, and in 2020, RGS 20 made it's operational debut at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Since then, the engine has been one of the two steam locomotives used by the CRM to pull their steam powered trips every year. In 2021, the 20 left the CRM's grounds in Golden, CO bound for Antonito, CO to take part in the 'Victorian Iron Horse Roundup.' In mid-2025, the Colorado Railroad Museum announced that RGS 20 would return to Durango once again to pull a weekend of public excursions, as well a week of photo events in early 2026. Cinematographer & Editor: Camdon Gilliland Made possible by ‪@DurangoTrain‬ and ‪@coloradorailroadmuseum‬