Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 487 is a K-36 narrow-gauge 2-8-2 built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925.
Its original purpose was heavy road service on the Rio Grande’s three-foot-gauge network.
The K-36 class became closely associated with the San Juan Extension because its power was well matched to long freight trains and steep mountain grades.
No. 487 survived the end of D&RGW narrow-gauge freight service rather than being scrapped.
It became part of the equipment preserved with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
The line between Chama and Antonito retains grades, curves, yards, water facilities, and railroad geography directly connected with the locomotive’s original operating environment.
Cumbres & Toltec lists 487 among its active operational steam fleet.
The locomotive remains coal fired, preserving the traditional fuel system used through its Rio Grande career.
Operational preservation means that visible details can still change through required maintenance, replacement parts, paint work, and regulatory compliance.
For TransitSatellite, No. 487’s historical value comes from the combination of original locomotive and original route. The page should connect machine, grade, train tonnage, shop infrastructure, and fuel logistics rather than treating the engine as an isolated collectible.