Rio Grande Southern (RGS) No. 41 has returned to the Calico Railroad at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Since early 2022 she has been in Durango, CO at the Durango & Silverton Railroad (D&S) receiving an overhaul in conjunction with her 1472 day inspection.
RGS 41 is an oil-burning, 2-8-0 locomotive, classified as a C-19 type. It was built by Baldwin in 1881 and worked on the Denver & Rio Grande before being sold to the RGS in 1916. Walter Knott bought the locomotive for the park in 1951, where it has remained since.
Upon completion of the restoration, the D&S ran several unannounced test trips with the locomotive. These trips were highly photographed and documented, as this was the first time the locomotive operated outside of Knott’s since it’s acquisition. This was also the first Rio Grande Southern locomotive to operate in Durango in many years.
No. 41 was unloaded in Knott’s on December 4th and was subsequently put back together and test ran around the loop in the following days. It is unknown when the locomotive will enter regular service at this time.
Image from Knott’s Berry Farm website
Learn more
Calico Railroad at Knott’s Berry Farm
Narrow gauge discussion forum post on 41 returning
Narrow gauge discussion forum post documenting 41’s break-in runs in Durango + more pics and video
41 leaving Knott’s in early 2022