*The first class Silver Vista car on the Silverton steam train is available May 21 through September 23, 2022. No. Browse different rides & seasonal events. No. They were able to see all the spectacular scenery and views in half the time. She made it the most delightful trip weve taken. Standard class steam excursions available every dayMay 28 - Aug 11, 2022 and Sep 2 - Oct 15, 2022. There is some plastic elements on the cars that could be upgraded with metal for more realistic look and feel, but that will reflect the final price. Durango Silverton Train - D&SNGRR Steam Train Adventure [17] In March, 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country severely affected the US. 503 was originally a flat car built in the 1940s, then converted for use as a coach in 1982 by the, Cars 400405 and 411412 are former standard gauge, Cars 406409 and 413416 are former standard gauge. If youre driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportations Web site at COTrip.org The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. [19] They were built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works[20] of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York in 1923. 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, 6-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day, The Cat's Meow Durango Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game. In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. The museum features memorabilia from the D&RGW and other railroads. #499 was later traded for K-36 class No. [8] A short time later, the railroad adorned a locomotive and four coaches with a colorful yellow paint scheme and launched modest public promotion. No. How long does it take to ride the train from Silverton to Durango? The engines currently use 6-ET automatic air and the secondary straight air used on regular service equipment. Depart Durango. Ownership of 315 was changed from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Durango. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango CO - Facebook It originally was owned by the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, and was later sold to the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. We enhance vitality, evolve one's spirit and plant a fire of opportunity in one's . Included in the sale were former D&RGW locomotives and rolling stock that had not seen service in Durango for many years. Engine 473 served frequently on the Chili Line that operated between Antonito, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the line was abandoned in 1941. Freight Yard Museum in Silverton, October 2012, Freight Yard Museum with the Silverton depot, October 2012. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions The museum is located in the Durango roundhouse. When narrow-gauge pieces of equipment come back to life there are very few places in the United States where they can run. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! When I travel I don't let the weather dictate my plans. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice. The train journey offers incredible scenic views such as Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and all of the Animas River Gorge giving you an unforgettable Rocky Mountains experience. By Molly March 13, 2018. As of 2023, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad appears to operate nineteen locomotives, eight coal-fired and/or converted oil-fired steam locomotives and nine diesel locomotives. [citation needed]. 473 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The train's speed is about 12 mph and you were welcomed to get up to stand at either end of the train. I wish we would have spent our 5 hours on another excursion such as zip lining or whitewater rafting or just simply hiking. The train trip is nice but it follows a river the whole way anth the views do not change a whole lot. 2023 Durango Train Schedule. [13] An estimated 54,129 acres (21,905ha) of the San Juan National Forest were burned, with losses estimated at more than $31 million. Always the best part is the scenery. of tractive effort. 483, 484, 487, 488 and 489. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. It is available for charter and can hold up to eight people. We had a wonderful trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! The K-28s have 28,000lbf (124.550kN). No. In 1968 the Woodmoor Corporation purchased the Magic Mountain property and in 1969 put engine 42 on display in Monument, Colorado, at the entrance to its Woodmoor subdivision. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. Eventually, the engine went to the Old Vegas amusement park in Henderson, Nevada, where it became badly damaged by a fire. Witcher, Civil Engineering, March 2018, "D&RGW System Passenger Timetable - 1-Jun-1952", "Audio Portrait The last Train on the Silverton Branch", "416 Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System", "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Closed Due To 416 Fire", "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad bolsters fleet for dry years", "Is the Durango & Silverton Railroad to blame for the massive 416 fire? It was given number 313, because it resembled the Silver Vista. Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorados San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious. Our Durango and Silverton passenger set comes complete with: 2-8-0 locomotive and tender with operating headlight, open excursion car, old-time combine car, old-time coach car, 47 x 38 oval of snap-fit E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. Rail camp car No. Or maybe just go to Cascade Canyon and back. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2mi (72.7km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Durango Train Tickets & Reservations - Durango, Colorado The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. It does not matter which side you sit on because the train stops in Cascade Canyon and then turns around back to head back to Rockwood Station so you get to see the scenery on both sides. Durangos elevation is 6,512 feet above sea level and Silverton sits comfortably at 9,305 feet elevation. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. The other seven were requisitioned by the United States Army in 1942 to be used on the White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska during World War II. The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San . also had a six-axle narrow-gauge diesel locomotive (#3000) for trial use in Durango in the 1950s, which saw limited use. After arriving in Denver, he formulated a plan to build a 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge railroad southward from Denver to El Paso, Texas[5] (see Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad). There was a family that got on and off midway at Rockwood Station and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone interested look into that option. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! No. We wish we had done the narrow gauge to Cascade Canyon and back. It was restored to operating condition from 1998 to 2007 by the Durango Railroad Historical Society with some assistance from the D&SNG. I believe you can go one way to Silverton then purchase a bus ticket back. In 1942, 215 had been sold to a Mexican railway. Between Rockwood and Silverton it is a designated wilderness area and there is no motorized access. Looking for the Durango train schedule? View the Round trip schedule & fares. The remainder of the route entered the narrow Animas Canyon, which has steep granite walls. The Durango yard facilities also saw dramatic improvements. I think she could be a stand-up comedian. The original Silver Vista was destroyed by a fire in Alamosa in 1953. Built in the winter of 19871988, the Rio Grande was originally railbus trailer 1002 and was painted red. Make sure to check out our deals for kids, seniors, military and frequent riders before booking and special discounts on select departures. The Durango Train Seating Options - Mild to Wild Blog - Mild2WildRafting Sorry, I don't know. more. Hop On The Train. 315 is a C-18 locomotive, built in 1895 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Face coverings were required to be worn by all even in the open air cars. Vestuable ends, train-line steam heat, electric lights, and deluxe Heywood-Wakefield reclining coach seats for 24 passenger were installed. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. No. But, the best part was that she kept us all engaged and in stitches most of the time. Operating year-round, the Durango Train is a wonderful way to witness the changing of the seasons, learn about the rich history of Durango and the states railroading industry, and experience the dramatic alpine landscapes of southwest Colorado. The journey behind a historic engine chugging away traveling through the ruggedly beautiful San Juan National Forest while observing awesome mountain vistas is truly a thrill! Our family is dedicated to the preservation of history and there is no greater American historical treasure than the D&SNGRR. 10,15. Looks Very good and locomotive is heavy and well made. Bolstered by the assistance of former Rio Grande operating managers and a relatively sizeable staff of new employees, Bradshaw's plans were set in motion immediately. Numbers 493 and 498 are owned by the D&SNG, but #498 is not operational and serving as a parts source. As the D&SNG works to convert more of its locomotives to oil, No. Valuation Survey was inventorying the entire railroad property after it was returned to the D&RGW after World War 1. The scenery is majestic (especially if you sit on the right side of the train) with the train going around cliffs with tracks very close to the edge. Cinders & Smoke Steam Trains Guide to Durango to Silverton 1977 - eBay Then, in July, 1998, the railroad was sold again, to American Heritage Railways. The Yellow Carrot is a high vibration culinary food mecca, eatery and bakery. Due to the COVID-19 reduced capacity requirements, the railroad is currently only offering 2 hour train rides out of Rockwood station that travels an hour to Cascade Canyon (18 miles) and back. Prior to the war, he had risen within the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as secretary to the president. Deer, elk, black bear, Bighorn Sheep, mountain lions and moose are sometimes sighted as well as eagles, hawks, osprey, geese, squirrels, marmots and fox. From leisurely rides to and from Silverton to . I feel as if the DSNG really missed a great opportunity to share some great history. I recommend the Cascade Canyon trip. Despite the overall demise of the RGS, 6 of the 7 "Geese" have survived today, and a couple of them have visited the D&SNG a few different times, most notably No. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. The weight of a K-28 with a full tender is 254,500 pounds (115,439kg) and a K-36 weighs 286,600 pounds (130,000kg) with a full tender. Our new Silverton Silverlight Express is your ticket! Placed on display at the D&SNG Museum from 1999 to 2016. 12:30 pm. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. But a huge part o. The railroad has a total of nine narrow-gauge steam locomotives (eight of which are operational) and ten narrow-gauge diesel locomotives, six of which were acquired within the last five years, on its current roster. Free shipping for many products! Open Observation cars 406409 and 413416 were built between 1982 and 1986, The original Silver Vista was built in 1947 by the D&RGW. The original Cinco Animas could seat up to thirty passengers. On display in the Museum, out of service. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. Between 1982 and 1985 the D&SNG built Open Observation cars 411 and 412. It is a legacy that glitters in Silvertons elaborate Victorian-era architecture, reflecting the millions of dollars drawn from the earth during the mining boom of the late 1800s to early 1900s. The round trip excursion will take around eight hours and there are numerous special excursions and themed trips throughout the year. Depart Silverton. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad *The first class Knight Sky car on the Silverton diesel train is available May 26 through September 19, 2022. We ended up waiting until others had left to make it easier to turn around. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. All that matters is that you meet the kind folks there who keep their trains in line. Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. For 140 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroadhas been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. His plans were fulfilled with the March 25, 1981, acquisition of the D&RGW's 45-mile (72km) Silverton branch and all of its structures and rolling stock. Reservations: (877) 872-4607 or bookonline. Here are the current train destination routes and times for the Summer and Fall. Vallecito Lake A secluded mountain lake 8,000 feet above sea level. Locomotives 473, 476 and 478 operated on many parts of the D&RGW. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. Our iconic 5-hour excursion offers breathtaking views of the Animas River, highline, and miles upon miles of rugged wilderness vistas as you travel through the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado. If we ever do another ride we will be sure to pack rain gear. 473, 476, 480, 481, 482 and 493 are all operational. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. (The Silverton route is a bit lengthy, and you get all the scenery you're looking for on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. My husband and I wanted to do a one-way trip on the Durango-Silverton Railroad in June. [9], By the 1960s, a modernized D&RGW did not see the Silverton Branch as worthy to maintain and a petition was filed with governmental agencies to abandon it. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing, Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Isaac also sold maps, hats, souvenirs. Getinformation on upcoming train events, deals on hotels plus insider information about Durango, CO delivered to your inbox weekly. Finally, it was bought by Dan Markoff and restored to operating condition. We were surprised to learn once we boarded the train, that the trip was for 9 hours! See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain airwill be on average about 10 degreescooler than in Durango. The 480s were used for freight-hauling throughout the D&RGW 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge network. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. She was very knowledgeable with stories and explaining the scenery. Air brakes are 6-ET automatic and also feature a straight air secondary braking system for daily passenger trains. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad announced this week it has purchased four new diesel engines, including these being . The railbus was repaired and began operations on May 6, 1989. For others who have traveled with us before, and are familiar with our train and western hospitality, we want to thank you for coming backwere glad to see you again! It worked around Durango until 1949. 18 later arrived to Durango on lease from the Eastern California Museum in November, 2018 and it stayed until October, 2019. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. The "Skyway Tour" option saves time & rewards . 1923 Nash Roadster (left) and 1924 Model T Ford (right), Sears & Roebuck buggy from the 19th century. [4] Today, the D&SNG, along with the C&TSRR, are the only two remaining parts of the former D&RGW narrow-gauge network. These engines are outside- frame Mikados, and all drive wheels have counterbalancing outside of the frame, resulting in the utilitarian look the engines are known for. It originally was owned by the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad as No. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Tall Timber Legend 631 & Tall Timber Legacy 632. The Silverton branch, as it became known, struggled under D&RG ownership following the Panic of 1893 and the end of free coinage of silver. Its called Durango, a little town nestled in the Animas canyons and hills, And theres a little train that goes up to Silverton, which is 45 miles long, Its worth every penny to take a trip on the iconic Silverton Train, What is so neat about this railroad? You may ponder, To many people its difficult to express to others, For someone it could be the astonishing views that are on the high line, Maybe its the employees that work there that make them happy, But for many people, including me, of course, it has to be the steam trains, All of them are well-preserved and taken care of, in their little Roundhouse, And their fun museum telling you about the history of the place, So I tell you, I beg you, to stay a while and enjoy the train. Age rated 14 and Durango and Silverton - HO scale ready to run Electric train set. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). The train stops for a water refill beside the river. Built in 1880, it was originally named the Hildago as Horton chair car number 25. It runs daily throughout the summer. 3. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. The labor crew, made up of mostly Chinese and Irish immigrants, blasted the canyon cliffs off and left a narrow, level shelf to lay the tracks on. Durango Jeep Tours | Guided 4x4 Jeep Trail Tours in Durango | Durango, CO Plus there are open air cars you can walk to and move to either side to get a view. We booked a 9 AM steam engine train in an open air gondola car. Several folks did what you are thinking. We decided on the 5 hour Cascade Canyon and I am glad we did. No. It offers views of some of the most scenic areas in the southwest and is one of the last locomotives in . Since then, its headquarters were moved to Durango, Colorado. Motive Power and Equipment Solutions, Inc. Acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions (MP&ES) in 2018 in response to the, Restored to operating condition in 1984. Because of its popularity, there has been speculation that the D&RGW destroyed it on purpose to drive revenue down so they could abandon the line from Silverton to Antonito. While youre at the Durango Depot, dont forget to visit the free D&S Roundhouse Museuma 12,000 square foot facility situated in the railyard that houses a carefully curated collection of artifacts and exhibits that paint a picture of Colorados rich railroading and mining histories. 5 came to rest in Dolores, Colorado. Altogether it took about 7 hours. The standard class steam Cascade Canyon excursions include a concession car on the train serving light snacks. Thinking this might be a good alternative? For the safety and protection of guests and employees, the D&SNG suspended all operations until at least June 23, 2020. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. Built by the D&RG in 1887, it had clerestory roof and bullnose ends. The United States Transportation Corps. For this reason, the D&SNG traded #497 to the C&TSRR in exchange for K-36 class #482. The Casey Jones railbus was built in 1915 out of a Model T and is a debatable predecessor of the Galloping Goose. There were many families with children in the open cars. The Silverton Freight Yard Museum was opened in 1999 and is located at the Silverton depot and rail yard. It was finished in ash and seated forty-six. 632 was built in 1986 and named Teft. The route is varied throughout the year and offers both winter excursions and summer excursions. After World War II, domestic tourism began to grow across the country and the Silverton branch of the railroad would benefit. In later years it fell into disrepair. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). And Silverton is a bunch of tourist shops and didn't appeal to us. This trip is ideal for passengers staying in Silverton, Ouray or Telluride wanting to experience the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad without making the early morning drive to Durango! Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Articles | Colorado [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". From early May through October, the railroad transports passengers to and from Silverton, a visit thats like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild West and when gold and silver mining in the area was at its zenith. Water is fed to the boiler by two non-lifting injectors. Guests are encouraged to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. In March, 1997, Bradshaw sold the D&SNG to First American Railways, Inc., located in Hollywood, Florida. A 12:01p.m. trip for Cascade Canyon ran until October 29. Abandoned on a standard gauge flatbed behind the. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. Ballantine Communications, Inc. This results in the draft being forced through the fire bed in the thinner areas towards the flue sheet, which usually is hindered by the lack of draft between the grates and the arch brick. In the Silverton depot are local artifacts. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. With this effort, "The Painted Train" officially started a new era of tourism that continues to this day. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In 1963 it was purchased by the Cinco Animas Corporation, where it received its present name. Nicknamed the "Hotshot". The Silverton Train Experience - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow This is a 9.25 roudtrip excursion 3 1/2 hours on the train each way with a two-hour layover in Silverton. Due to their smaller size, these engines are often used on the D&SNG for shorter trains, usually the first or last on the schedule, and often for helper service or sectioned trains. 0540 was built in 1881 and is a mini-warehouse, carrying the most common tools and supplies. Hotels near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Restaurants near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. It is rugged and gorgeous! The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the . No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. It is on display in the museum. of tractive effort, superheated, and the boilers are fed by two non-lifting injectors. Both cars were built as general passenger cars to help with the increase in passengers. Enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or dinner in Durango prior to your transportation via van back to Silverton. Traded to the, Previously nicknamed the "PB-II". SP No. The Galloping Goose Railbusses are products of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, a fleet of 7 home made railcars used to haul the US mail and some passengers during the Great Depression. There was a book available but for $10 but I feel as though they really could have made the experience worth the $$ If they narrated the ride. Very friendly staff. Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. Durango Restaurants | The Best Restaurants in Durango, CO One way was plenty. The states of New Mexico and Colorado purchased 64 miles of track between Antonito and Chama, New Mexico, in 1970, which is operated today as the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR). On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. It was restored by the Eastern California Museum from 2009 to 2017, with some help from members of the D&S Shop crew. Around 1941, 315 made its way to Durango and became a yard switcher. 425 and, after the railroad was reorganized into D&RGW in 1924, it became No. Built in 198788 winter, motorcar 1001 was named Tamarron. [citation needed]. Britney, Galloping Goose No. When the D&RGW abandoned the line to Durango, 315 was donated to the Chamber of Commerce in 1968. No. [+ More] 3206 N Main Ave Suite #1, Durango, CO 81301. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In 1993 it was acquired by the D&SNG and was restored to its original condition. There are bathrooms and a concession car that people were using. Cost of ticket for Durango to Silverton train ride, We did the regular ticket and it was about $50 per person, Difference between steam and diesel trains, Not a big difference in riding experience. In November 1916 the engine was sold to the Rio Grande Southern and was used till the RGS was dismantled in 1952. As of 2023, of the nine steam locomotives currently owned by the D&SNG, Nos. Once there, you'll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Despite popular belief that the railroad does not doublehead trains out of Durango because of smoke, the real reason is the weight restriction on the bridge at 15th Street, not allowing more than one K-36 at a time (K-28 class engines, however, are still doubleheaded from Durango). What restaurants are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? Hi, did anyone who travelled in the last week of November in the winter train see snow ? Bachmann HO Scale Durango & Silverton Electric Train Set - eBay If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. The D&SNG operates several other coaches: Animas City 323 in Silverton, October 2012. Half the roundhouse is used for the steam engines and the other half is for the museum. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Ride the train on 45 miles of rails originally laid in 1882 between the historic mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango, Colorado. Open observation gondolas 400402 were built in 1963, equipped with passenger car trucks, steel roofs, tile floors and tramway seats. Today, nearly 140 years later, the Durango train is just as an essential part of the city's livelihood and culture as it was in its founding days. It has room for 11 passengers. Downtown Silverton along Greene & Blair Streets boasts of a bold past and is designated as a National Historic District. Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between Durango & Silverton Colorado CO AO3271 - eBay Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! View the Round trip schedule & fares. Out of the original ten only three 470s remain, and all are owned and operated by the D&SNG. Dan privately owns the engine, and on occasion brings it to various railroads to operate, including the D&SNG. On display are outfit cars, some equipped with kitchen facilities and side-dumped gondolas. There are many ways you can experience the Durango train. Bachmann Trains - Durango & Silverton Ready To Run Electric Train Set
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