Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Sure wish I was aboard today...

More...

Shortly after 216 departed, 489 left with 3 former EBT hoppers.

Thanks for catching 489 with the hoppers, I stopped watching right after the departure. Interesting that 216 stopped to take on more water right before leaving the yard, can't recall seeing that before.

Great morning for watching yard!

I am not sure but the 216 may have stopped to "wash" the coal. I have seen them do that before and somebody said it was done when the coal is too dusty.

489 returned with empty hoppers. At 1320 MT, she left again with new loads.

489 departing with ballast per Jason's post.

Anyone know the location it is being used? Will it continue after the regular season?

Enquiring minds want to know!!

I don't know where, but I'm assuming it's fairly close. I caught 3 runs yesterday. Seems like it was about 2 hours between departure and return.

They also went back out right after 215 arrived.

As I sit here in my office surround by computer crap, I can't help but be envious of the guys out there doing this work. Yes, I'm sure it's hard, but most days I'd rather be dong that than dealing with corporate BS.

Maybe Joe will know and pass the info along.


Tom C.

John Hamman wrote:Great morning for watching yard!

I am not sure but the 216 may have stopped to "wash" the coal. I have seen them do that before and somebody said it was done when the coal is too dusty.

John - Thanks - I had thought about washing the coal, but had noticed a decent size puddle left behind when they did that in the past, didn't see the puddle yesterday, but yes that certainly could have been what they were doing.

Now that you mention it there was a big puddle last time - must have been filling up! I have not seen them do that before either. Thanks for pointing that out!

Jason Rose wrote:I don't know where, but I'm assuming it's fairly close. I caught 3 runs yesterday. Seems like it was about 2 hours between departure and return.

They also went back out right after 215 arrived.

As I sit here in my office surround by computer crap, I can't help but be envious of the guys out there doing this work. Yes, I'm sure it's hard, but most days I'd rather be dong that than dealing with corporate BS.

Thanks, Jason for the update on ballast trains. As far as those "Walter Mitty" dreams of yours go.....You will continue to have them in the retirement years too! The narrow gauge, once in your blood stream will not leave.

Larry Gibson wrote:

Jason Rose wrote:I don't know where, but I'm assuming it's fairly close. I caught 3 runs yesterday. Seems like it was about 2 hours between departure and return.

They also went back out right after 215 arrived.

As I sit here in my office surround by computer crap, I can't help but be envious of the guys out there doing this work. Yes, I'm sure it's hard, but most days I'd rather be dong that than dealing with corporate BS.

As far as those "Walter Mitty" dreams of yours go.....You will continue to have them in the retirement years too! The narrow gauge, once in your blood stream will not leave.

I intend to spend my "retirement" years working on the narrow gauge.