Modern Mudhens

Only two Mudhens remain today. The 463 is currently stored in Antonito, Colorado and serves the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This locomotive found its way from Durango to California in 1955 after being purchased by western film star Gene Autry for use at his Melody Ranch film studio in Placerita Canyon, California. It languished until the early 1970’s when Autry donated it to the city of Antonito. In 1994, the 463 was rebuilt and returned to the rails between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado.

The 464 worked in the Durango yards into the late 1950’s then remained static until it was purchased by Knott’s Berry Farm in 1973. The 464 returned to service later that year pulling amusement park visitors around a loop in the balmy, palm tree filled atmosphere of Southern California. The locomotive was a bit big for negotiating the relatively tight radius of the curves at Knott’s, thus it’s operation was sporadic in favor of the other 2-8-0’s that operated at the park. In 1981, the engine was donated to Genesee County Parks and Recreation in Flint, Michigan and eventually began service on the Huckleberry Railroad. Faithfully restored, the 464 works hard to this day, hauling the many visitors through the scenic theme park and surrounding area.