The Silver Vista - D&RGW car 313 - was a narrow gauge observation gondola with a glass roof and open sides (though there were window shades that could be drawn during inclimate weather). The original - which can be seen [here] - was built by the Rio Grande's own Burnham shops in 1947 from outfit car #0313. It lasted a mere six years, destroyed by a fire at the Alamosa, CO, car shops on 30-Sep-1953.



In 2006, the Durango & Silverton recreated the Silver Vista with their own version of the car. This is a page about the recreation. Thanks to Philip H. Walters of Durango for the "under construction" photos.