Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

On Sunday 7/31 I had tickets to ride 216 to Antonito and was pleasantly surprised to see a double header with road locomotive 463 and helper 487. There were over 200 Cinder Bear riders which required 2 extra coaches to handle so 9 car train.
Conductor Ray is directing the 463 as it goes into south yard to retrieve the 2 extra coaches needed for today's train.

We see Harry watching for Ray's signals as he backs the 463.

Job completed with the 2 extra coaches attached to 216.

The car host Lorraine for the run to Osier is awaiting her passengers on the platform of the Colorado.

As the train departs, we see Cinder Bear headed to his ride, the mustard yellow van. Road Master Ed is on his radio for some reason.

Looking back at Chama yard from the platform of the Colorado.

Juke's tree as seen from the train.

If you look carefully the transition to the 4% grade can be seen.

The train rounds the curve into Labato meadow with 487 leading 463.

Looking back at Labato trestle as the train climbs toward Dalton.

The train has now stopped on 2d crossing so Cinder Bear can board for the rest of the trip up to Cumbres.

Conductor Ray is assisting Cinder Bear to get on the train.

Looking back at Cresco tank as we continue up hill.

Looking across the parlor as the train is leaning into a curve below Windy Point.

Looking back at the Chama valley as the train rounds Windy Point.

As the train starts down the grade from Cumbres, we see 487 sitting on the siding prior to spinning the wye.

The parlor riders are enjoying the view.

Los Pinos tank is seen as we approach the bend so we can head back down the Los Pinos valley.

The one bridge over the Rio de Los Pinos the train crosses. We can see some of the free range cattle.

As the train rounds a curve, the fireman looks back over the train.

Crossing Cascade trestle as the train gets closer to Osier.

Looking back at Cascade trestle.

Looking up the Los Pinos valley.

Osier comes into view.

463 is almost to the Osier stop as it rounds the final curve.

Looking back at the Osier water tank, section house and depot all refurbished by the Friends.

Lunch over and departing, we can see train 215 with the 489 continuing its uphill track.

The east portal of Mud Tunnel.

Sublette section house.

The 19 sits on the siding at Sublette waiting to resume work on Monday.

Sublette as seen across the valley as we head east.

463 does a boiler blow down.

Lava tank, the Friends are working at the Lava pump house which is 500 feet below the tank in the Los Pinos valley.

Final shot from 216, Hangman's trestle.

Very nice pics Sharon!

Thanks Craig...

Let me guess - you had a great time.

Great, great, how about stupendous. Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have 3 double header in the time I was there, be able to chase one, watch one leave Chama than ride behind one. The real cherry on top though was being able to ride behind 463 twice.

Now you need to go for the schools - you might get to be fire or drive 463

At 71 and overweight, no way I could fire one of them.