Rio Grande 268

Rio Grande 268 is a "Consolidation" type narrow-gauge steam locomotive built for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1882. It is one of three surviving locomotives in D&RG class 60.

Early history
At the start of the 1880s, the Denver & Rio Grande was expanding rapidly. Major lines extended south toward Santa Fe, southwest toward Silverton and west to the Utah state line. As a result, the railroad placed several orders for 2-8-0s from Baldwin and Grant Locomotive Works. 268 was one of an order of 30 locomotives in August 1881, and was completed in January of the next year.

268 spent most of its working life around Gunnison, Colorado, with an early photograph showing it in helper service on the mainline to Montrose. Other early photographs show the engine in Salida and Alamosa.

In the 1800s, D&RGW 268 and her sister engines were the premier motive power for the railroad, hauling passenger trains and top-priority freight trains. Decades later, in the 20th century, the aging narrow-gauge engine was relegated to low-priority trains on secondary and branch lines.

Historic recognition and current status
As early as 1945, 268 was recognized for its historic significance when it featured on the Rio Grande's 75th Anniversary Tour. Again in 1949, the engine was featured at the Chicago World's Fair, this time in a version of the road's diesel colors of yellow and silver with black stripes. The engine featured in the 1952 film Denver and Rio Grande before returning to ordinary service in the Gunnison area. The engine's final run for the D&RGW was in 1954. It was used by a contractor in 1955 to scrap branch lines out of Gunnison, Colorado.

After its retirement, 268 was donated to the city of Gunnison, Colorado. It featured in Colorado's centennial celebrations in 1959, then moved to its current location at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum in 1964. The engine today is cosmetically restored in its yellow and silver paint scheme.