Rio Grande No. 481

D&SNG No. 481 is a K-36 class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type narrow gauge steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925 for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW). Today, it is now a permanent resident of the preserved Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) in Durango, CO. 481 is one of four operational K-36 class locomotives on the D&SNG, the others being Nos. 480, 482, and 486.
As of 2023, 481 is currently the last operational coal burner on the D&SNG after the others were either converted to oil burners or taken out of service. But on October 18, 2023, the D&SNG announced that after the 2023-2024 winter season, 481 will be converted to burn oil instead of coal, leaving no more coal burners on the D&SNG's active roster at that point. On March 23, 2024, 481 had the honor of operating the final regularly scheduled coal-powered excursion run from Durango to Cascade Canyon and back. It will be undergoing its conversion to burn oil afterwards, officially ending the railroad's 143-year-long tradition of coal-powered operations. In Durango Railfest August 2009 to 2010. Engine 481 pulling presidential train In Railfest 2004 to 2005. From Durango and silverton Railfest in 2001.
==Trivia== 
*No. 481 has worn several different whistles during its operating career on the Durango & Silverton, including an AT&SF 6-chime, a CB&Q 5-chime, and a D&RGW 5-chime, among others. Right now, it currently carries another D&RGW 5-chime previously used on class K-28 locomotive No. 478.
*The engine can be seen in Herron Rail Video's Narrow Gauge Glory Volume 1.
==Gallery== 
*Click here
Category:Built in 1925
Category:2-8-2 locomotives
Category:2-8-2 steam locomotives
Category:Baldwin locomotives
Category:American locomotives
Category:Tender locomotives
Category:Steam locomotives
Category:Eight-coupled locomotives
Category:Narrow-gauge locomotives
Category:Narrow-gauge steam locomotives
Category:Rio Grande locomotives
Category:3 foot gauge
Category:Durango & Silverton locomotives
Category:Locomotives
Category:Excursion locomotives
Category:Preserved steam locomotives