Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Looks like 488 is about to emerge for today's Christmas trains. I'll have videos up later, hopefully it's a busy day for the railroad, and lots of donations for the food banks.

it just did and is about to leave the coal dump

Here are some screen captures of 488 emerging and running to the ashpit to supplement Larry's videos coming later.

488 is at the tank about to top off tender.

488 backs down to the main and then heads for coal dock.

It appears 488 will be running tender first heading out. Will they do a run around at the Lobato siding and return engine first?

At 9:08 MST Section 1 of today's Christmas Trains left with 488 pulling tender first. Coaches appear to have special signage on them. Main by depot is clear of cars for the first time in weeks. At 10:06 MDT Section 1 returns with 488 running on the point normally.

Huge thanks to Larry G for covering while I was at work this morning. Video of the morning activities is now in work processing and uploading.
#1 #488 Emerges from engine house to the ash pit.

#2 After filling the tender with water #488 moves to the coal dock.

#3 After coaling 488 heads to the wye to be turned.

#4 - Back from the wye 488 hooks up to the passenger cars.

#5 - First train of the day departs Chama at about 9:05 Local time. Train is running tender first.

#6 - First train of the day returns, total round trip time of about one hour.


That's pretty much a rundown of the morning, I'll be keeping an eye on the trains today, but unless someone wants them, likely won't post the remaining trains -- pretty much will be duplication.

Section 2 of the Christmas Trains returned at 11:28 MDT looks like about an hour round trip.

Section 3 left at noon local time. Action is half over for this day.

Section 3 returns about 12:57MST. Two sections to go.

Between section 3 and 4 488 takes on water from main line spout. Nice Santa hat on fireman too. Two runs to go.

Section 4 heads out just after 1:30MST.

Section 4 arrives at 2:30 MST with riders enjoying the view off the rear coach platform.

Section 5, last section of day, pulls out about 3:00 MST.

Section 5 of the Christmas trains arrives at 4:00 MST. Children are dancing on the rear platform as adult shots a video.
Now the work of clean up and shutting down 488 will begin. After cutting off from train 488 wyes, tops off the tender, and is on ash pit by 4:33 MST.

You have done an amazing job today Mr. Gibson! Thanks so much for the fantastic coverage.

I'll put up video of each departure and arrival. A few interesting shots in the videos of Mrs. and Santa Claus - as well as folks on the rear platform as pointed out by Larry G. Looks like all had a fun day!!
#7 - Second train of the day departs

#8 - Second train of the day returns

#9 - Third train of the day departs

#10 - Third train of the day returns

Nice coverage, thanks for all the effort since I had to work today. How was the patronage for the trains. One consolation, I just watched the 488 back from the ash pit into the house.

Sharon Evans wrote:Nice coverage, thanks for all the effort since I had to work today. How was the patronage for the trains. One consolation, I just watched the 488 back from the ash pit into the house.

Thanks Sharon! The last train looked a bit light for patronage, but the rest seemed to have a lot of folks on board. Looked like an overall good day. Anonito's turn tomorrow, and steam showing on that cam tonight.

Always tough to be at work when the trains are running - I work nights, and on Saturday mornings, so hard to be here - but I got it all recorded and thanks to Larry G there was great real time coverage.

#11 - Trip to take on water between the 3rd and 4th trains

#12 - Fourth train departure

#13 - Fourth train returns

#14 - Fifth and final train for the day departure

#15 - Fifth and final train for the day returns

#16 - 488 wraps up the day with a stop at the water tank and ashpit, before heading to the engine house for a well deserved rest.