2023 Narrow Gauge Convention
Durango Pre-Convention Activities
Summary of Activities
Saturday August 26th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion Durango Cascade and return.
Sunday August 27th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion Durango Cascade and return with Tacoma Power Plant Tour.
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Mixed freight excursion Durango to Silverton and return with some photo runbys.
Monday August 28th
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Layout tours open
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SoundTraxx factory tour
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Guided in depth Durango & Silverton shop and yard tour
Monday September 4th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion one way from Durango to Silverton with a bus return.
Monday September 5th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion one way from Silverton to Durango.
Detailed Schedule
Saturday August 26th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion from Durango to Cascade and return. Box lunches will be available for purchase in advance separately.
Sunday August 27th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion from Durango to Cascade and return. Box lunches will be available for purchase in advance separately. On the return trip RGS Motor 5 will stop at Tacoma Hydroelectric Power Plant and passengers will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the power plant.
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Mixed freight excursion powered by a K-28 class locomotive from Durango to Silverton and return. The train will layover in Silverton for lunch or alternatively box lunches will be available for purchase in advance separately. The train will have historic narration onboard as well as some photo runbys. Coach and caboose seating will be available as well as a limited number of upgrades for locomotive cab rides.
Monday August 28th
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Durango Layout Tours Open
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10:00am - 2:00pm
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Free with convention registration
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Bayfield Layout Tours Open
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2:00pm - 6:00pm
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Free with convention registration
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Pagosa Springs Layout Tours Open
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2:00pm - 6:00pm
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Free with convention registration
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Durango & Silverton Shop and Yard Tour
The Durango & Silverton will host an in depth shop and yard tour led by knowledgeable employees of the railroad’s mechanical and operating department. The tours will include time in the Durango Yard, Roundhouse, Machine Shop, Car Shop, and other areas of interest. Space will be limited to 20 participants so please register.
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12:00pm or 2:00pm start times for 90 minute tours each
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Free with convention registration
Booking Instructions: Please Call the D&SNG Reservations Office at 877.872.4607 or online:
https://dsngr.1steam1.com/
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SoundTraxx Factory Tour
SoundTraxx manufactures digital sound decoders right here in Durango bringing new dimensions in digital sound technology to model railroading. Join members of the SoundTraxx staff for an in-depth tour of their factory where sound decoders are designed, manufactured on their state-of-the-art production equipment, tested, and packaged for sale. Space will be limited to 20 participants so please register. Call: (970)259-0690
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12:00pm or 2:00pm start times, tours last for 60 minutes
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Free with convention registration
Booking Instructions:
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Interested convention attendees should call SoundTraxx to register with their preferred time (12 or 2pm) by Friday, August 25th. Each time slot will be limited to 20 people.
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When they call, they need to have their registration confirmation email, Whova app or proof they have registered.
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Provide Soundtraxx with a name, and an email or cell phone number, so we can send out a reminder email or communicate with them, or if for any reason we have to cancel. And Soundtraxx will send out a reminder email for them as well.
September 3rd, Sunday
Scenic Line Modelers Littleton Colorado Layout is open Sunday from 10am to 2 pm. See your guide and Whova App for more details.
September 4th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion one way from Durango to Silverton with a bus return.
September 5th (See Railroad Activities Page)
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RGS Motor 5 Excursion one way from Silverton to Durango. Bus transportation from Durango to Silverton will be available to meet the Motor 5 Silverton Departure time.
Layout Tour Information
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Mike May
HOn3 Scale White Pass & Yukon Route
Location: Durango
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George Bogatiuk
HO Scale 20th Street Switching Layout; Vignettes of the MoPac White River Line
Location: Bayfield
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Sean Jackson
HOn3 Scale Woodstock Short Line, San Juan Division
Location: Bayfield
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Ray Schmudde
HO Scale San Ramon Valley & Northern
Location: Durango
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Other Pagosa Springs Layouts are in the works.
Hotel Information
This hotel has provided a limited number of rooms with special pricing for Convention attendees.
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Fairfield Inn
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Durango provides outstanding service for an easy and comfortable stay at an exceptional value. Ready to welcome guests to their thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites with plenty of room to work and relax after a scenic ride on the Durango and Silverton Railroad.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Durango
National Narrow Gauge Convention Group Block
Valid Aug 25, 2023 - Aug 29, 2023
Booking Reference Code NNGC
Standard Double Queen @ $229.00/night
Standard King @ $229.00/night
Complimentary breakfast and standard hotel amenities included
Non-smoking facility. No pets allowed.
11am check-out. No late check-outs allowed.
Local Restaurant Information
In Durango, you can find anything from spicy New Mexican food to a hearty steak to a burger made from local, grass-fed beef. Our restaurants offer culinary delights that will keep you full, happy, and excited for your next tasty meal!
Agriculture is the heart of the Durango community, supported by a strong "eat local" mindset and an abundance of locally grown and raised meat, vegetables and food products.
Airport Information
The Durango - La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the primary regional airport for southwest Colorado, northwest New Mexico and the Four Corners. DRO is served by American Airlines and United Airlines. Year-round daily nonstop service is available to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX).
The airport is located approximately 15 miles from downtown Durango. Some public transportation is available but reservations are highly recommended. Rental cars are available at the airport as well.