Rio Grande 169 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids D&RGW 169
Cole Park in Alamosa, Colorado.
Type and origin Reference Power type Steam Builder Baldwin Locomotive Works Serial number 7028 Build date 1883
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • UIC 2′C n2 Gauge 3 ft (914 mm) Driver dia. 46 in (1,168 mm) Adhesive weight 50,643 lb (23.0 t) Loco weight 70,550 lb (32.0 t) Fuel type Coal Cylinders Two Cylinder size 14 in × 20 in (356 mm × 508 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort c. 12,000 lbf (53.38 kN)
Career Operators D&RG » D&RGW Class D&RG: 47, DRGW: T-12 Numbers D&RGW: 169 Last run 1938 Retired 1941 Current owner The City of Alamosa Disposition On Static Display Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive No.169 U.S. National Register of Historic Places Location in Colorado Show map of Colorado Location in the United States Show map of the United States Location Along Chamber Dr. within Cole Park, Alamosa, Colorado Area less than one acre Built 1883 Architect Baldwin Locomotive Works Architectural style Narrow gauge steam locomotive NRHP reference No. 01000230 Added to NRHP March 12, 2001

The Denver and Rio Grande Western No. 169 is a special kind of steam train. It's known as a "Ten Wheeler" because of its wheel setup: four small wheels at the front, six large driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back. This design is called a 4-6-0.

This train is also a "narrow gauge" locomotive. This means its tracks are closer together than regular train tracks. It was built in 1883 by a company called Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was one of twelve similar trains made for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. No. 169 was designed to carry passengers. It had large wheels, called drivers, that were 46 inches across. These were some of the biggest drivers used on any narrow gauge train for the D&RGW.

What Did Locomotive No. 169 Do?

How It Traveled the Tracks

During its time in service, Locomotive No. 169 traveled on all the main D&RGW narrow gauge lines. It was a busy train! It even appeared in old photographs taken in New Mexico in 1933.

A Trip to the World's Fair

In 1938, the train stopped being used for regular service. But it got a special makeover in 1939. It was shined up to appear at the 1939 New York World's Fair! Imagine a historic train traveling all the way to New York for a big event.

Finding a Forever Home

After its trip to the World's Fair, the railroad decided to donate the train. In 1941, it was given to the City of Alamosa. Since then, Locomotive No. 169 has been on display in Cole Park in Alamosa, Colorado. It's a cool piece of history you can visit!

A Historic Landmark

Because of its importance, Locomotive No. 169 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it's recognized as a special historical item that should be protected.