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It's April 28, 1935, C-19 #346 departs Montrose with 8 cars as it is on the point of the Shavano. there were extra coaches because of the Music Week people travelling from Grand Junction to Gunnison. There was 9 coaches, but 1 was switched out because there were enough people for 8.

Crew: Conductor Heckman, & Engineer Knoll
Cars: Baggage 125, RPO 54, Coaches 290, 283, 309, 327, 302, & Chair car 403.



At Fairview, the train stops to add a helper (which in this case is the 360, a C-21 built by Baldwin in 1900 for the Crystal River Railroad & acquired used by the Rio Grande in 1916).



Soon, the train heads down the line...



... to Cedar Creek, to add a 3rd helper (which, in this case, is the 361, the other C-21 built by Baldwin in 1900 for the Crystal River Railroad, & also acquired in 1916).

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With the 2nd helper coupled, the 3 engines climb the hill.



Soon, the train reaches Cerro Summit, & the helpers are uncoupled.



Soon, the 346 rolls downhill with the train...



... & pulls into Cimmaron.

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the train rolls over a bridge as it enters the Black Canyon.

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As the train rolls through the canyon...



... it stops at Sapinero.



Soon, the train gets underway.

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The train follows the river as it nears Gunnision.

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As the train climbs the subtle grade (the section between Gunnison & Hierro is 0.9%)...







... it pulls into Gunnison at 7:15 PM. 2 coaches were set out, & the Shavano (headed by K-28 #479) took the train to Salida.