Hey guys! Check out the Postcards & Artwork from this series 👉🏼 tinyurl.com/dhnpshfk

@austinsteele6501

Жыл бұрын

Need to check out the royal gorge train in Canon City, Colorado

@grahamhill6340

Жыл бұрын

Guys good presentation, however you left out the one single thing that saved the railroad when the Denver & Rio Grande wanted to abandon it... HOLLYWOOD! If it wasn't for movies like BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID and numerous others starting in the late 1940's, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad wouldn't have the great free-advertising that attracted tourists from all over the world. Later on it was social media like KZread that really showed off America's most scenic railroad in all its glory in all times of weather. I produced a 2hr. HOLLYWOOD salute to the DSNGR in 2022.

If this series doesn't win some kind of KZread award, someone's not paying attention. This has been nothing short of amazing. Well done!

@dannymcfarland5225

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, great people, great content, great views, everything about this is great lol i love sitting down eating dinner while watching some DownieLive.

@derrickchabs4386

Жыл бұрын

heck yeah, if I was to nominate any YT channel for YT awards it would definitely be DownieLive.

@SindyJ37

Жыл бұрын

Totally agreed ive been binge watching and oopsie it's suddenly 5am! Lol good thing it's Sunday morning. I wish i would have waited one more week now i have to wait a week for the last episode!!! Dang it

@sara-loureid4397

Жыл бұрын

Totally agreed

@TJBrix

Жыл бұрын

Agreed I’ve been watching this for the past few hours

As a former employee of this railroad, I’m glad you got to experience it! The incredible breath-taking views and experiencing history that has been preserved for us to enjoy today is really special. I used to work in the steam locomotives as a fireman and those memories will always be highlights of my life 🚂

@sheilaathay2034

Жыл бұрын

Oh what a wonderful thing! My great great grandfather worked on the train that went from Springville to Big Rock Candy Mountain in Marysvale Utah. He was also the coal-stoker. He was 13yrs old! Every generation til the last one has worked in the railroad at Springville Utah. It is such an important hub..or exchange as they call it . I didnt grow up there. Me , I just inherited their love for trains. You are so lucky!🤩

@valerieann8007

Жыл бұрын

The train engineer of this train said the only difference between this train and the other train he usually operates, is that the other train runs on coal. Does that mean they stoke this one with small logs of wood that is burned to heat the water into steam to drive the locomotive? I love that idea, because train guys could go out in woods to chop up dead fallen trees if they needed to, and this train could operate even if there was a Carrington level CME: Coronal Mass Ejection and no trucks could get gas to deliver coal, oil or gas because the entire electric grid might be down, but this wonderful locomotive could operate fine! And the whole train is beautiful, too! It's wonderful!

@FJX2000_Productions

Жыл бұрын

@@valerieann8007 so up until a few years ago both the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the railroad the fireman in the video mentioned (the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad) burned coal in their steam locomotives. But since 2019 the D&S has been converting its fleet to burn recycled oil rather than coal. There are many reason for this conversion that I won’t get into here, but even the C&TS converted one of their engines to burn oil as well. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what you burn, as long as the water boils and you get steam that’s all that counts. Some early locomotives burned wood as you suggested but wood isn’t a prime choice of fuel for these large steam locomotives.

@MatHatMr

Жыл бұрын

Let me ruin the comments of big bois

@kevinbradbury7259

Жыл бұрын

I'm curious why it didn't go into Silverton? Is it the off-season or do they offer a shorter ride that I didn't know about?

I think we should just live on trains! Who needs a house? 😂

@fatimahyusof

Жыл бұрын

😂.... Hihihi... Yes that's right... 🚂

@DerpyPossum

Жыл бұрын

Sign me the heck up 👌

@philiplong3131

Жыл бұрын

I have a colleague whose house is a train

@WillEdmond

Жыл бұрын

@@philiplong3131 omg I’d love to meet him or her and see their house!

@annregovich767

Жыл бұрын

I like trains.

Will’s smile is priceless. Landscape almost as beautiful as his smile.

@brookenigh

Жыл бұрын

LITERALLY what I was going to post! His smile and the joy on his face is like pure sunshine.

@sanderappel4499

Жыл бұрын

Will is just such a big bundle of joy!

@mangopuppybaby

Жыл бұрын

He just exudes happiness! 😁

I love will's personality. He's so chill and has an awesome smile.

The reason Durango doesn't have crossing gates is because the people there know common sense to wait for the train to pass. It's not like Florida where cars continue to hit the Brightline train because they think they can outrun it. These Florida drivers are the same ones who complain about the horn...this is EXACTLY why the engineer has EVERY right to blow that horn. Train drivers have to put up with so much, it may look easy, but when these collisions keep happening (and the times when people try to jump in front of it), it can do a number to an engineer's mental health. They have my respect

@andrewellis158

Жыл бұрын

But they do get a lot of tourists in town and you never know when someone is visiting from Florida. :)

@j134679

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewellis158 time to saw off Florida from the rest of the continent haha

The Puebloan cliff dwellings certainly are incredible, especially for the period they were built. The Anasazi built their dwellings under overhanging cliffs to protect them from the elements as well as from potential enemies which was a genius move. And by not living on the mesas like other Puebloan settlements, there was more land available for cultivation. Then, using mud mortar, sandstone, and wooden beams, they crafted some of the world's longest standing structures. Truly a work of art. It's a shame that tribes and their history are still bashed by others based on stereotypes. Speaking of art, this journey on the Durango & Silverton feels like you're going from one side of a painting to another. The engineer said it, you're recreating history! Learning history, the good and the bad, is important. It not only reveals the past, but it also helps us create a better future.

I rode the Durango & Silverton about 10 years ago, and it was such an amazing and beautiful experience. As a long time Arizona resident, I can't wait to watch your experience on the Grand Canyon Railway! There is no place on earth like the American Southwest, and the scenery here is just incredible, but the Grand Canyon will take your breath away and just humble you.

@eleanormassaro5195

Жыл бұрын

I too got to ride this train from Silverton to Durango back in June 2017! It was awesome!

A note on the K-36 locomotives used at Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge and Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroads: there were 10 originally built for the Denver and Rio Grande Western (480-489); 9 remain (485 crashed into turntable pit in Salida, CO, and used for parts after); and 8 remain operational (483 in storage in Chama, NM, at C&TS) between the two railroads. Pretty likely they are the steam locomotive class with the largest percentage currently operational out of the originals, now almost 100 years old after being delivered in 1925.

@Aidan_Rattlehead

Жыл бұрын

They won’t die and will never die, they are beautiful machines.

@JamesCollins764

Жыл бұрын

what did 485 look like?

@Ronald.Golleher

Жыл бұрын

@@JamesCollins764 a lot like the rest of the class I would imagine, just more bent lol. I don't have any links to any pictures of the crash right off hand though, but I'm sure if you look up K-36 485 crash they might show up. K-36 Wikipedia article has pictures of all 10 of them though.

Mike, I love this video !!! You and Will together is Priceless. Will acted like a kid on Christmas morning, he couldn't stop smiling. I enjoy your adventures so much. Love to you and Will. See ya next week.

This series is expanding my bucket list.

I’m in love with this series! It’s so thrilling and exciting. The worst part is that I get terribly impatient for the next episode lol

@robpittstop1797

Жыл бұрын

Right, buddy!

@iancanuckistan2244

Жыл бұрын

Check out Mike's series of travelling on trains across Canada in between episodes in this series. It's just as good!

@robpittstop1797

Жыл бұрын

@@iancanuckistan2244 can u tag me there?

@iancanuckistan2244

Жыл бұрын

@@robpittstop1797 Here's the first episode, they go from the east coast to the west: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oH2Nxbyym5i6pM4.html&ab_channel=DownieLive

@juuzies

Жыл бұрын

@@robpittstop1797 if look up downie live across canada using the youtube search the first video is the first episode!

The crew of this railroad are wonderful! My dad was gifted an old timetable the conductor had in his pocket during our 2019 visit. Such a wonderful surprise, and it meant the world to my dad. If anyone thinks of adding this to their bucket list- Do It!! Such a lovely adventure!

Mike and Will are always in a joyous, lively, adventurous and peaceful mood.

Oh shoot…I think my bucket list just expanded!

This was a really great trip! The people in Durango have to be fantastic to leave your motel keys in an envelope outside. The ride and scenery were awesome! As always thank you again for the invitation to your adventure!

Man Sean was frickin amazing. Appreciating the pun game, beein helpful and informative, and just the energy and vibe he emited. TOTAL. AMAZING.

@SamuelBenedicic_of_NSK

Жыл бұрын

in words of the young generations. He passed the Vibe check.

@DownieLive

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

Sean was by far the best train guide ever. Hands down!!

Another great trip, Mike! Having Will along on the trip makes it that much better. You two balance each other out really well. Thanks so much.

Will is always happy with a big smile on his face!!

I have never really been intrigued about trains until this Series! My love and passion for history, and the breathtaking views this world has to offer has been perfectly highlighted in this series. Not to mention the absolute joy and positivity you present in each and every single video is incredible and keeps me waiting for the next episode. Thank you for this Series and thank you for showing people the true meaning of friendship, excitement, and adventure!!! You rock Mike!!!

Colorado is beautiful country. I would love to ride this train. Can't wait for the next one. You are making it hard to wait for each next episode. Loving them all so far.

Seeing the Animas River Canyon and the Train brings back memories for me. Back in 1991 I kayaked the Animas River Gorge with a group of hard core boaters during the Spring thaw. Since starting up at Silverton was a two day trip we paid the train conductor to toss our camping gear and food off the train halfway down the Gorge at Needleton Bridge, and they agreed to stop the train and pick it back up the next day so we could retrieve it in Durango. I must admit I was worried about the logistics of that but it worked out perfectly. At the end of day two just before the lower (un-navigable) portion of the gorge at the power station we flagged down the train and they picked us up with our boats and took us on down to Durango. Amazing trip.

I rode the Durango & Silverton railroad around 30 years ago. Glad it's still in operation. The views were spectacular, and its definitely history!

Will's excitement is awesome. So uplifting.

I first rode the D&SNGRR as a 7-year old in August 1965 thanks to my parents who knew I loved trains from an even earlier age. I rode it again for a second time in June 2022, and I appreciated it even more as an adult. Great video, as always, Mike!

@EXROBOWIDOW

Жыл бұрын

I was a little bit older when I first rode it. While I've always lived in California, my parents were from Colorado, and we would go every few years to see all the relatives. One year my grandparents sent my folks money for us to take the train. It was supposed to be train one way, and bus the other way. However, my folks were a little behind on making reservations. We didn't have any when we got to Durango, so we got in the cancellation line early in the morning as the sun was rising. We scored tickets-- round trip on the train! No stinkin' bus! It was summer, so we rode all the way to Silverton. In 2019, my husband and I were again visiting Colorado. He'd never been on the train, so we rode it together, again round trip, to Silverton. I was surprised to see that doing one leg on the bus was more expensive than taking the train both ways! On the other hand, I've driven the Million Dollar Highway over Red Mountain Pass a few times, so now I know the bus trip would be pretty spectacular in its own right. In 2018, we visited the railroad museum in Laws in eastern California. If I remember correctly, one of their steam locomotives was on loan to the Durango & Silverton RR. The next year in Durango, I asked someone about that. They were trying out the locomotive, but the borrowed locomotive had a hard time making the grade. There used to be a narrow gauge railroad from eastern California into Nevada. I don't think it had to cover as steep terrain as that between Durango and Silverton.

You and Will have such great chemistry, and you both have such positive energy! Your trips together look like so much fun!

Oh, Mike! This is one of your very best! And, you are right. This is even better when shared with a like minded friend! Will, I’m glad you were there, too!

I think it’s time for a road trip to Durango!🚂 another great video Mike!

The part when it was time to reboard after lunch. That all aboard put a smile on my face I wasn't expecting. Thanks . I can't wait til the next one .

Can confirm - small town motels will leave your keys taped to the door when the office closes. Love it!

My favorite train trip from Durango to Chicago Basin and on to Silverton. What other steam train will let you out next to a trail to a national wilderness and a handful of Colorado 14ers.

You and Will are the best travel team EVER. Love these trips with ya'll.

Will really brings the energy, it’s always a pleasure having him join❤ I hope to one day enjoy some trains with a besty, but until then these videos really do suffice and keep me excited! The views were extraordinary this round and I can’t wait for the Grand Canyon next week! Another banger video boys, thanks for bringing us along!❤

I loved the Forrest Gump road scene, your videos are always awesome!

I love Will’s enthusiasm what a great friend to travel with. My Daughter lives in CO springs it looks like I have at least 3 or 4 trains to ride. One you missed is the Royal Gorge Train in out of Canon CO.

@TiffYG2133

Жыл бұрын

Cañon City

That is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Although, for a "first-time" steam train, I would choose the 1404 Big Boy if I had the chance.

I would love to ride a steam train! It's definitely on my bucket list too. Will, you're so excited about trains, it's infectious 😂

Sean is such a lovely guide and thank you, Michael for #Steamwork

Sean looks like he could be your brother, Mike! Love all your travel vlogs! Your enthusiasm is contagious!!👍😄

This one was really gorgeous. My husband and I got to experience the narrow gauge train out of Skagway, which was incredible. Is Will ever depressed? That guy needs to cheer up.

@RickTexas

Жыл бұрын

I was just about to ask if Mike will go on the Skagway Train. I go on it every time I take a cruise to Alaska.

@kirkbobo1363

Жыл бұрын

This Skagway rr is awesome and very scenic thru to lake Bennett then onto Whitehorse Yukon

I'm always hooked for next week's episode. PLEASE keep it up!

@DownieLive

Жыл бұрын

Will do!

This is a great series Mike. And Will is awesome! I can't wait for the Grand Canyon. Thanks !!🤩🚂toot!💖🙋‍♀️

Idk why I thought ep 6 was the last one. Quite the nice surprise. That kid talking to you about the weight and the 2 steam engines appears to genuinely love his job. Steam Work baby! Great video!

Another masterpiece! Dude, The Discovery Channel or The National Geographic Channel needs to give you a series!

Once again, Mike, this vid is nothing short of absolute BRILLIANCE! 🙏

As someone who has lived in Durango my whole life and has the NarrowGauge pass by my house every day it's cool seeing people spread the beauty of the ride!

That was spectacular! Yeah, I'm definitely adding the D&S (and the Cumbres & Toltec, part of the same former DRG&W narrow-gauge network) to my bucket list. And I'm glad Will had a great time. Has he stopped smiling yet? I think he's gonna be smiling for weeks after that.

Traveling with you on the Durango train has me mentally planning a trip with my to be 7 year old grandson. I know he’d love it.

You should go on a union pacific excursion sometime, with the up 844 or the 4014!!!

THIS IS IMPRESSIVE!!! Gotta love Will!

I'm a Coloradan and loved watching your time here! Hopefully, you'll check out the Georgetown Loop if you're ever back this way. It's another historic narrow gauge through the mountains but runs on coal. Georgetown CO is also a great place to experience history. Thanks for the amazing content. Happy travels!

That's my HOMETOWN!!!! I've missed you Durango. It's such a beautiful little city.

I was nine years old when my parents took me on this train. I didn't get why it was such a big deal, but I had fun.

Will has a very infectious smile. That is an amazing ride through those canyons and forests

it was an amazing ride💯..Thank you Mike,Will and of course Sean! ⭐️👏👏👏

I love Will’s happiness - and your adventures 💕

You are a wonderful filmmaker. This is a GREAT series. Also, your friend Will is a total hottie!

Like that train whistle blowing at the beginning of this video. 🚂 Have you ever been to Cumbres &Toltec Scenic Railroad between Chama New Mexico and Antonito Colorado? I have been in once while visiting my parents who lives near Albuquerque New Mexico about 20 years ago and it is a scenic railroad which straddles on the Colorado/New Mexico and it is about 11 or 12 to cross Colorado/New Mexico State Line.

@kdavis1492

Жыл бұрын

We always take the Cumbres & Toltec, as it's a full day ride. Up early for the bus from Chama to Antonito. Then the ride back to Chama. Then a good part of the evening and next day, looking over the yards and equipment. When they started, it was one train north the full route. Then the train would return south the next day. Not like now, where the 2 trains meet for lunch. Then the train was so long, engine and caboose were in one state. The Middle of the train was in the other.

I mentioned on your last blog, I took this ride probably 55 years ago and OMG the memories came flowing back. One of the moments I recall was to let some passengers off mid route as they lived in a nearby cabin. It was small touches like that and the magnificent scenery that live with me to this day. I have to admit, watching this was a little emotional. The couple that took me were family friends and they 're no longer with us. Thanks for the memories.....I LOVED it

"I don't really care about trains., but I'll watch this video." Ep 1 "I want to ride that train!... That steam blow off was awesome!" Ep 7 Great content, man. It definitely has me wanting to do more travel by train. - John

I could not stop smiling all the way through this episode. Thanks.

We need more Downie! Would be awesome to have longer videos. Love the stuff you're doing. Wish there was more. I watched the entire channel lmbo

As a truck driver, I have delivered to Durango many times. Beautiful city, especially when covered with snow in the winter

It was probably forty years ago that I rode the Durango-Silverton train with my late father. For the life of me, I cannot remember how we got to Durango, nor where we might have gone next. But I sure remember the adrenaline rush of traveling on rails that were just a few feet from the canyon's edge. And the scenery that defies description. A once in a lifetime experience that I wish I could do again.

What a fabulous steam train 🚂 adventure with your train buddy Will

Incredible is the word I describe this weeks episode of Downie live

i didn't expect to be so sucked into this adventure that i'm waiting for episodes to drop but here we are, now i feel like im part of the journey lmao

This is one of the best things I’ve seen on KZread. This has been nothing short of enjoying to watch. Thank you for all of your hard work. Love your enthusiasm and joy for life.

You did it again, Mike, thanks for taking me along for the ride, beautiful!!!

love this series!!

I rode this as a child and absolutely loved it!

Mike, I visited Durango back in 1968 and even then you needed to book a train ride well in advance. Now, with your video, I get a view of what I missed so long ago! Cheers, Rik

Hi Mike... Hi Will... Wowwww... another great video. The wonderful trip by Durango scenic steam train. Thank you Mike.

@DownieLive

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

I saw the later video before this one. Will's reaction to seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. Priceless. This is why I love Downie live videos. Real and untouched.

I’ve been waiting for this!! Shout out to DownieLive for making me enjoy my day with trains!! ;D

will is like a breath of fresh air such an enjoyable guy to be around hope to see more of him in your adventures

Thanks Mike as I said last week I was on this train 65 years ago. I do wish you could have gone all the way to Silverton. They used to stage a gunfight when the train came in. We had lunch at the Bentelbo Saloon where a woman played honky-tonk piano and would play a song from everyone's home state. I still have a picture of us in front of a stagecoach.

I love how genuinely happy these 2 are during this ride. Makes the video so much better

@pace1719

Жыл бұрын

uh, autism sucks, i thought I was special. Sorry, this isn't about me, loved this video and how happy you guys were. Got hyper excited a content provider gave me an upvote. I'll show myself out. Love you!

I stumbled on this DownieLive by accident....and I absolutely LOVE it!! Trains!the only way to travel!! My best train trip was the night train to E Berlin! Awesome!!!

I was born and raised in Durango, 5th generation. I wish I would have known you two were here. I would love to have shown you around! I worked for the train for a few years. It's a beautiful ride. If you two ever come back this way. I'll be your tour guide! 😉🚂

Simply amazing Mike. What a great trip you guys took.

I went on this railroad about 10 years ago and I will never forget how amazing the scenery was. I’m definitely going to take a trip down there again when I get the chance

love this train-my family was visited long loved friends when I was 13 and we went on this train-it was wonderful! That was 50 years ago! I have also been to Mesa Verde. My Dad was in the military and we lived in the Southwest for a number of years and did lots of exploring-he was a teacher at heart in the service days and ended up teaching after he retired.

I rode this train to celebrate my high school graduation. I felt like crying at the end of the day knowing the ride was over. I felt so at home and at peace on that train that i was questioning whether or not i wanted to go back home. I feel like society pressures me to be what they want and that i should be ashamed of myself when i decide i don't want to agree with them. But when i was on thay train, that didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was listening to the engines chugging, the rails clicking, and enjoy the views of the mostly untouched nature that laid before my eyes. If you're in the Durango area, you must ride this train. It might not be your cup of tea or it might be pretty pricey, but its worth all of it, i promise

I have ridden both the steam trains: The durango and the Chama. I enjoyed both.

Reaching New Mexico when you're aiming for the Grand canyon is big Harry and Lloyd vibes 🤣

What a cool steam train. Coffee with a good friend. And nice views. What a great trip. Thanks for taking as along.

Fun fact: That water tower you stopped at, that at 7:45 was converted from a Denver and Rio Grande Western narrow gauge tanker car. Edit: You have to come back to this in the summer months, to take the full 45 mile trip from Durango to Silverton. There's a lot more of the historic route to see past the Cascade Canyon, that's only open from May to October.

Will is my favorite guest on the show.

Awesome!!! You guys make these train rides a most excellent experience.

Will is awesome! Who wouldn't love traveling with him!! Great video, as always. 😊🚂I would have touched the rock too...lol

Omg you guys are too cute in your matching sweatshirts. Lol. I love all trains, but these old timey ones are just in another level.

So glad you guys rode the Durango & Silverton, it’s one of my top 5 steam train rides in America!

hahaha I love that you and Will are wearing matching sweaters, yall train nerds rule

I found this channel/this series this afternoon and have watched all 7 parts now. I can't wait for part 8!! Great series, I had no idea I was interested in trains.

@DownieLive

Жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

I love Will's excitement! This has been amazing. Beautiful scenery!

I remember when i rode the Durango and silverton railroad as a young kid and it was really beautiful

hahaha!!! one of my favorite as well! FORREST GUMP. there's this funny scene, where forrest was telling his experiences on the highways to the lady sitting with him on the bench. " when i'm tired i slept, when i'm hungry i ate. and when i gotta go, you know, i went! 😆😆😆