photos by David Halterman

For the first time in more than half a century, D&SNGRR Locomotive No. 315 got some fire in its belly and rolled up the tracks to Cascade Canyon on Sunday, pulling not the usual cars of tourists, but 150 invited guests behind it. This maiden voyage was a celebration of the engines rebirth and a thanks to all of the people who made the seven-year restoration a success.

Former Durango resident Hank Phillips is taken back to the good ol days while en route to Cascade Canyon on Sunday morning. Engineer Steve Otten grabs a quick lunch as he makes a few adjustments to the heart of the locomotive at Cascade Canyon. Richard Malcolm gets a classic shot of the locomotive in a turn near the Rockwood depot. Filmmaker Christina Knickerbocker, bottom right, interviews several members of the crew prior to the ceremony Sunday morning. Marc Perino, left, Mike Cyphers and Charlie Moore, back, watch the train prepare for departure from the rail yard. All three played an important role in the trains restoration.