Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

I missed seeing 489 taking on water yesterday. On Larry's video, they stopped there, but, from the time stamp, only for a minute or two. Again today, I missed the stop at the tank. I would think they would have to drain the tank for the winter, lest it freeze. In the old days, it may have had a heater or got enough flow thru to keep it thawed. Anyone know?

Pete they did take on water both yesterday and today. Surprised a couple of us at least, but obviously well insulated and it works!

I'm not surprised the tank is serviceable. Don't recall reading that the Rio Grande, RGS, C&S, and CM did anything special to keep their tanks working over the winter. And, the conditions today are nothing compared to what those railroads endured in the middle of winter on the mountain passes. I've read stories of shoving a steam line up the spout to thaw things out a bit, but that's it.

Maybe Jerry Day will chime in here. I believe he's an expert on Rio Grande winter operations.

Here's a still capture from the water stop this morning.