Back in 2020, one of the older posts we made featured the Southern San Louis Valley’s homebuilt locomotive, the D-500. Be sure to check out that original post here for more photos and information on this creature:

https://vintagedieseldesign.com/2020/09/14/a-home-built-locomotive-southern-san-luis-valley-d-500/

I am pleased to report, that the D-500 has been saved! In 2022, the Soloviev group purchased the San Louis & Rio Grande railroad, which owned what was left of the SSLV. The new railroad, the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande donated the D-500 to the town of Blanca, CO in 2024. The engine is now the center piece of a small railroad park on the edge of town.

Driving into Blanca on Highway 160 is a bit desolate, with Mount Lindsay looming over the road.

Right at the edge of town is the new railroad park, featuring plenty of seats, a nice path and several picnic tables.

The D-500, now fully repainted and lettered lives under a covered, fenced in pavilion.

D-500 in Blanca in August of 1973. VDD Collection.

Again, be sure to check out our original post, linked above. Thanks to the Soloviev’s for recognizing this engines history and donating it!