National and State Register

Denver & Rio Grande Western Flanger OT

San Juan County

Built in the 1890s and rebuilt in 1943, the Flanger OT cleared snow and ice from the side of the tracks for the Railroad’s narrow gauge lines. DR&G patented “the snow flanger” in 1885, and continued to refine and improve the design, resulting in many different blade shapes, sizes and configurations over the years.

A view of the flanger on the tracks before some red cars and with a rising hill behind.

Denver & Rio Grande Western Flanger OT

Flanger Car OT is significant for engineering as a representative of snow removal equipment. The flanger is also significant for transportation for its rail service from ca.1890-1968.