$ 500
Thomas Artzberger served as the Durango Railroad Historical Society’s Chief Mechanical Engineer for Locomotive 315 and played an important role in the locomotive’s preservation, maintenance, and continued operation.
On September 27, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango Railroad Historical Society will honor his memory with a full-day fundraising photo charter through the remote landscapes of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
Locomotive 315 will lead a mixed train from Antonito to Osier Station and return. With only 60 tickets available, guests will enjoy an intimate rail experience created for photographers, railroad historians, steam enthusiasts, and supporters of historic preservation.
The event is scheduled during the traditional peak of the fall-color season, offering the possibility of brilliant aspen foliage across the high country. Because fall color is determined by natural conditions, its timing and intensity cannot be guaranteed.
Funds raised through the Tom Artzberger Memorial will directly support the continued operation and preservation of Locomotive 315.
Revenue from the event will be used to:
Every ticket helps carry forward the preservation work to which Thomas Artzberger devoted so much time and expertise.
The Tom Artzberger Memorial will operate as a historic mixed train powered by Locomotive 315, combining passenger and freight equipment for an authentic and highly photogenic consist.
Planned Train Consist
Additional freight or historic equipment may be included in the consist based on operational requirements and the final event plan.
Train consists, locomotive assignments, photo locations, and operating plans are subject to change due to railroad conditions, mechanical requirements, weather, and safety considerations.
This event is intended for photographers, videographers, railroad historians, and serious steam enthusiasts.
This charter is designed specifically for railroad photography, with planned photo stops at scenic and historic locations between Antonito and Osier. Planned locations include Ferguson, Lava Water Tank, Sublette, Calico Cut, Rock Tunnel and Phantom Curve.
Photo locations and timing are subject to change based on railroad operations, weather, track conditions and safety requirements.
The evening of September 27 will feature a special night photo shoot with historic Locomotives 168 and 315.
Guests will have an opportunity to photograph the locomotives under controlled nighttime lighting in a setting designed to evoke the atmosphere of historic steam railroading.
During the charter events, author George Niederauer will participate in a special signing of his book Locomotive 315: The Lives, Times, and Rebirth of an 1895 Steam Engine.
The book documents the remarkable history, restoration, and return to service of Locomotive 315.
Proceeds from book sales during the event will support the continued operation and preservation of Locomotive 315.
Coaches 256 and 292 provide enclosed seating aboard historic railroad equipment. These cars offer protection from wind and changing mountain weather while maintaining the atmosphere of an authentic narrow-gauge train.
Seating may be unassigned unless otherwise stated.
The open-air gondola provides unobstructed views, fresh mountain air, and an immersive experience close to the sights and sounds of the steam locomotive.
The gondola is exposed to wind, sun, smoke, soot, cinders, and rapidly changing temperatures. Guests should bring protective eyewear and dress in layers.
A box lunch prepared by From the Wagon is included with each ticket.
Please arrive at the Antonito Depot at least 30 minutes before departure.
Guests are responsible for safely handling, transporting, and securing their own equipment.
Guests with mobility concerns or other accessibility needs should contact us before booking. Our reservations team can discuss boarding procedures, available accommodations and the movement required between the train and Osier Station.
Not all historic railroad equipment or areas of Osier Station offer the same level of accessibility, so advance coordination is strongly recommended.
Trip Protection may be added during online checkout for 8% of the reservation total. Trip Protection must be purchased when the original reservation is made and cannot be added later.
Reservations With Trip Protection
Guests may cancel or change their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Refunds exclude the Trip Protection fee and applicable processing fees.
Changes are subject to availability and any difference in ticket price.
Reservations Without Trip Protection
One complimentary change to another available excursion may be requested up to 24 hours before departure. Additional changes are subject to a $20 change fee plus any difference in ticket price.
Within 24 Hours of Departure
No changes, cancellations or refunds are available within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.
Trip Protection fees and processing fees are nonrefundable.
