In August 2025, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad hosted a once-in-a-lifetime event: the 100th Anniversary of the K-36 locomotives.

Photographers, railfans, and history enthusiasts from around the world came together to celebrate a century of steam power in the Rocky Mountains.

I had the privilege of coordinating the experiences for the centennial, including the night sessions, photo freights and even the free public events like the Parade of Steam. It was an honor to work alongside the railroad’s dedicated team to make these events a reality and to honor 100 years of the K-36 class.

The K-36 “Mikados, ”built in 1925 to conquer the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, showed once again why they remain legends of American railroading. From the thunder of freight climbs to the quiet moments around the Chama yard, the celebration honored both the machines and the people who keep them alive today.

Night Photo Sessions

The event included two night sessions in Chama, including one focused on showcasing all operable K-36 locomotives on the Cumbres & Toltec.

The second night photo session focused on the human side of railroading, staging crew portraits and detailed locomotive compositions that reflected the bond between people and machine.

Photo Freights

Three days of freight operations offered photographers the rare chance to document authentic K-36 action across the railroad’s most iconic stretches.

Friday – Chama to Cumbres Pass: Doubleheaded freights clawed up the 4% grade, recreating classic helper operations.

Saturday – Cumbres to Antonito: A rare eastbound morning run through Los Pinos Valley gave us unique scenes with unique light and dramatic high-country scenery.

Sunday – Antonito to Cumbres: The centennial closed with rugged canyon walls and desert landscapes—showcasing the K-36s in some of the most dramatic scenery on the line. The train included a surprise mid-train helper locomotive, recreating a dramatic operating practice seldom seen on the line today. The sight of a K-36 grinding through Phantom Canyon with power at both the head end and mid-train made for one of the most memorable photo opportunities of the entire weekend.

Each day included carefully planned runbys, coordinated logistics, and a variety of photo opportunities designed to make the most of the light and landscapes.

I’m grateful to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for entrusting me with coordinating the photography side of this milestone, and to every participant who joined us to document living steam in the mountains. Thanks to Ed, Abi, Steven, Dan, Max and countless others… engine crews, night/morning hostlers, swing crew, overnight watchmen, fire patrols, etc.

Special thanks to great friends Mark Turkovich and Joseph Fusco who helped throughout the week preparing engines and managing photo lines, along with Kevin Drennen for his help with the night photo sessions.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, stretches across the Colorado and New Mexico border. It’s a living testament to the golden era of railroading, offering a journey through steep passes, deep gorges and lush forests. This event not only allowed us to capture stunning photographs but also to experience a piece of history.

The event was part of Steam Charters by Dak Dillon Photography, which aims to showcase the essence of each host railroad and its unique landscape, equipment, and people.

Here’s to the next adventure… and to the enduring steam that still echoes through the Rockies.