Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

It's a rare thing to see narrow gauge rails being constructed.

Photos from June 21, 2014






Current end of the Wye



Extension across the road












Future end-of-tail






Looking back towards the yard

Thanks for posting. Early in C work session several of us went out in the evening and saw the contractor's worker using an excavator to grade the extension. But the work wasn't very far along at that point and it was hard to tell what the result would be, so these photos are informative. We were told during the work session's startup meeting Monday morning that the railroad plans a maintenance-of-way facility on its new property at the wye extension.

Excellent shots of what looks to be an impressive work project.

Once complete, will the train be able to be wye'd (is that a proper term?) without the need to break the train each day? I know this was asked elsewhere, I never saw the answer so apologies if this is a duplicate question.

Thanks

Larry

My understanding is that entire train will be wyed. There is also talk of a MoW facility back here and possible the Friends West CRF.

Good things are happening.

Wonderful. I always thought it was highly inefficient to do all the switching of those 4 cars. Surprised this wasn't done long ago

I also wondered why they had not extended the wye - although I enjoyed watching them switch the cars. It is nice now, though, to see the entire train roll into the station as though it were arriving from Durango! I think Jason pointed this out the other day.

Really cool (and needed) project.

John

I think money was the limiting factor (isn't it always?).

When the Roundhouse project was shelved, the funds set aside for that were reallocated to purchase the land and construct the wye extension. If you're interested in the details, check out the Commission Meetings that Steve Forney records:

http://commission.coloradonewmexicostea ... g/2014.htm

The wye extension planning was discussed in either early 2014 or late 2013. I don't remember exactly.

And, it sure is neat to see the train apparently arriving from Durango about 1645 each day. Doesn't take too much imagination to see Train 215 heading to Durango just before Train 216 arrives in town. Of course, that's not how the San Juan operated. The trains passed each other west of Pagosa Junction at a siding called Carracas. But, let's not split hairs...

By the way, does anybody have any pictures of the train using the new extension? Jason's pictures have left me really wanting to see it in use.

Thanks,

John

Joe and Rich will likely be posting pictures in the next week or so.

Jason,
Thanks for pointing me toward the meeting "minutes." A lot of useful context there. Yep, money is a constraint. However, this seems like an economically responsible and historically appropriate way to go. I was curious about the area where the work was done so I checked out the google earth and it looks like after the turn the wye follows a dirt road or path that runs through the field.

Anyway, I will be waiting to see some more pictures!
John

I do not know if this is the proper place for this post, but Google Earth has just changed their satellite image for the Chama Yard and you can now see the new Chama Wye Extension for the first time. Also you can see the Chama train climbing Cumbres pass.

Hey Don. Good info and in a good spot thanks.

Tom C.