Plainview, Colorado – In March 1967, Denver and Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) PA-1 locomotive #6001 was captured leading the "Yampa Valley" passenger train as it ascended a challenging 2% grade near Plainview, Colorado. The train, noted for its brevity, consisted of an RPO (Railway Post Office)/baggage car (#1202) and a Vista-Dome observation car, serving the route between Denver and Craig, Colorado. The moment was preserved in a photograph by Ken Crist.
The ALCO PA-1, like Rio Grande #6001, was a distinctive and powerful diesel locomotive, renowned for its sleek, streamlined nose and 2,000 horsepower output. Introduced in the post-World War II era, these locomotives were designed for passenger service, competing with General Motors' EMD E-units. Rio Grande #6001 was part of the D&RGW's fleet that often featured in the company's "Aspen Gold" livery, a recognizable part of the railroad's identity.
The "Yampa Valley," originally known as the "Yampa Valley Mail," was a vital link for communities in northwestern Colorado, including Steamboat Springs. The loss of its mail contract in 1963 led to its renaming and further reduced its operational viability. Passenger rail services across the United States faced significant decline in the 1960s due to the rise of interstate highways, increased air travel, and the cessation of lucrative mail contracts.
The D&RGW, known as the "Main Line Thru the Rockies," operated over some of the most challenging mountain terrain in the country. The 2% grade near Plainview was characteristic of the steep inclines encountered on its routes, requiring robust locomotives and careful operation. Despite its importance to local communities, the "Yampa Valley" service ultimately ceased operation on April 7, 1968, marking the end of an era for passenger rail in the region.