Every time I paint a narrow gauge scene, I remember the smells and sounds of the Colorado narrow gauge. These fine old steam trains are a living legacy of past railroad history. Fortunately, there are two fine examples of high country railroading still operating today. The Durango & Silverton Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) that seasonally connects Durango and Silverton, Colorado and the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad connecting Chama New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Both lines are very scenic and traverse some truly awe-inspiring country. Twenty miles per hour is hiballing on narrow gauge and the lines are a relaxing way to see the area.

One of the reasons for high country narrow gauge was to service mining, cattle and logging interests with passengers as a side line. Narrow gauge could traverse sharp curves and mountain terrain. The lines could, also, be laid out more economically than standard gauge.

My painting usually convey different shipping points for cattle. Old time steam, cowboys and cattle just make a great team for subject matter. I suggest some fine therapeutic narrow gauge travel for all your harried business people who commute by jet liner and have forgotten what's out there beyond the plastic and asphalt. Get a whiff of good pollution...."cinders smoke on all of you"...

"SLIM RAILS & FAST STEERS" is number 8 in the NARROW GAUGE SERIES and is reproduced from an original oil (20"x36") and is limited to 850 signed by the artist and numbered lithographs with 85 artist's proofs and 85 publisher's proofs. It is printed on top quality 100% certified archival (300 years) pH neutral number 1 grade paper with an image size of 171/4"x32" and a 2" trim. It has been personally inspected and signed by the artist in pencil. The plates have been destroyed after publication and no further issues will be reproduced.

Gary Carter
West Yellowstone, Montana
September 1992

team