March 2016 Flanger Charter

[Tim Tennant]

As a bit of information, we want to pass along that we are talking about a Friends sponsored Flanger Charter Train the weekend of March 26 & 27, 2016 out of Antonito. Details are being worked out with the railroad and we should have more that will be passed onto everyone next week. Stay tuned!

[Sharon Evans]

Gee, that may be worth the 8 day round trip to drive out there for. Too bad the spreader sits in Chama.

[Tim Tennant]

The thought of the spreader crossed my mind as well as we have found photos in the Dorman Collection showing the Jordan Spreader in those consists. The OU as I have been told still has some issues before it could be fully operational. That should answer your question Sharon or at least your point of bringing up the spreader.

[Greg Coit]

This sounds like a great charter! Nothing better than steam locomotives and snow. :D

Greg Coit
Eureka, CA

[Sharon Evans]

Have been looking at Antonito and there seems to be less lodging there than in Chama. There are lots of choices in Alamosa and its, what, 1 hour drive.

[John West]

Back in the old days a lot of snow clearing trips used the spreader and flanger. It will be nice when the spreader is at least roadable again, whether it can actually spread snow is less important. Indeed, on a charter like this the opportunities for spreading would probably be limited. But until the spreader is available the flanger is a nice start. Actually the flanger is more exciting to watch since it works at speed with the snow flying, whereas spreading is a much slower operation.

There are two places to stay in Antonito, the Steam Train hotel and the Narrow Gauge motel. Both are okay if not great. I spent three nights at the Narrow Gauge Motel last September, and it was functional if not particularly attractive. The Steam Train hotel is a bit better if somewhat funky. The Dutch Mill in Antonito is a very decent place to eat (I really like their green chile). Alamosa is more like 30 minutes (okay maybe 45 minutes) away with some of the usual businessmen's chain motels (Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express) and a somewhat better variety of places to eat.

Net net, finding a room and eating for a trip based out of Antonito is not a real problem.

JBWX

[Michael Allen]

Center of Alamosa to Center of Antonito is about 29 miles. From the hotels in Alamosa to the C&TS depot will be 30 - 32 miles. That's an easy 35 minutes, but don't speed through the towns!

The main thing with the flanger charter will be getting breakfast on the day of the early morning departure. To get sunrise at Lava (or Ferguson's) will require a departure from Antonito before any of the local restaurants are open. Hope McDonalds has a 24 hour drive through in Alamosa!

Michael Allen

[Tim Tennant]

We are happy to report that 23 tickets have now been sold for the Flanger charter. Just 4 more reservations are needed to ensure the trip is a go! Thank you to those who have purchased tickets so far!

[Tim Tennant]

We are very happy to announce that 29 tickets have now been sold for the Flanger Charter! The trip is now a GO! 11 tickets remain.

[Tim Tennant]

As of this morning Monday December 14 we have now sold 33 tickets for the Flanger charter. Only 7 seats left!!!

[Tim Tennant]

Here is an update on the number of tickets sold for the Flanger Charter. We have now sold 37 tickets meaning there are only 3 seats left! If you are thinking about going then act now and call our Albuquerque Office at 505-880-1311.