Rio Grande 169 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids D&RGW 169 |
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| Cole Park in Alamosa, Colorado. | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Reference | |
| Builder | Baldwin Locomotive Works |
| Serial number | 7028 |
| Build date | 1883 |
| Configuration | 4-6-0 |
| UIC classification | 2′C n2 |
| Gauge | 3 ft (914 mm) |
| Driver diameter | 46 in (1,168 mm) |
| Weight on drivers | 50,643 lb (23.0 t) |
| Locomotive weight | 70,550 lb (32.0 t) |
| Fuel type | Coal |
| Cylinders | Two |
| Cylinder size | 14 in × 20 in (356 mm × 508 mm) |
| Tractive effort | c. 12,000 lbf (53.38 kN) |
| Last run | 1938 |
| Retired | 1941 |
| Current owner | The City of Alamosa |
| Disposition | On Static Display |
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Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Locomotive No.169
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| 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.
Contents
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.
