Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

While riding train 215 I was able to photograph the engine change that is being done at Osier between the 463 out of Antonito and the K36 coming out of Chama. Normally train 216 arrives in Osier about 20 minutes ahead of 215.

The process begins once 216 has arrived with its engine cutting off and running around the balloon track and moving back past the west switch. Once 215 arrives it stops short of the east switch and 463 cuts off.

463 then moves forward past the east switch and the crew align the switch for the balloon and 463 backs in.

The engine off 216, in this case 487, now backs down onto 215.

487 now couples to the train and begins its standing air test.

While the brake test is being done 463 continues around the balloon track.


Standing brake test done, the 487 gets train 215 moving to the Osier lunch stop.

While 487 was doing its standing brake test the 463 has backed down to train 216 and done the same.

So by the time train 215 makes it into the Osier lunch stop, train 216 is also ready to depart once lunch is over.

Sharon
Thanks for capturing the moves. I was having trouble visualizing this, but the RR has done a neat job of figuring this out.

Sharon,
Good work! I figured they were doing something like that, too but it is really nice to see it.
John

Thanks guys, always try to help clarify things when I am on the ground, so to speak. I also was working over in my mind the procedure being used. By now the crews have a lot of practice doing this swap.

Trying to catch up on all your shots -- these are fantastic! Excellent pictures, but really also tells the story of the engine swaps. Thank you for getting them!!!

You are welcome, it was right there in front of me so just had to shoot it.