This globe-spanning epic was basically an excuse to showcase magnificent widescreen Cinerama photography. One lengthy sequence features a working steam locomotive. 

For the film, Rio Grande & Southern's #315 was pulled out of retirement and brought back to life - with the help of some movie special effects: a former US Army diesel engine was disguised as a baggage car and used as a pusher, trailed by a string of vintage wooden coaches.  These scenes were filmed all along the narrow gauge Rio Grande route at various points. 

Besides the locomotive and disguised #N4700, three D&RGS cars were used: Combine #212 and Coaches #306 and 320. Today, the combine car is used as a concession car on the Durango & Silverton and the two coaches reside at the Colorado Railway Museum. 

When the diesel pusher broke down during filming, D&RGS Engine #478 was used, with Baggage Car #126 filling in the spot behind it. Today this is also in use as a concession car on the Durango & Silverton. 

The tunnel was created by the film crew in a deep cut at Rockwood and destroyed after filming. As for Engine #315, it has been fully restored to operation and is owned by the San Juan County Historical Society. The D&RGW's former depot in Ignacio, CO was used for the final train scene and has since been demolished (and the track was removed when this portion of the line was abandoned). 

GPS Coordinates (approx.): 37°06'14.2"N 107°37'52.8"W