Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

The morning starts off with one of the local deer on an inspection tour of the yard. When I was there last month one came within 10 feet of me as it moved about.

Here's a little video of this morning's deer that Sharon captured, looks like she started by the depot and trotted/sauntered her way down past the paint shed then over to the swamp.

489 gets the call again as it takes an 8 car 216 east from Chama on a cool, clear September Saturday. Those watching will have noted that 487 sits in front of the left stall of the house with its pop going off every couple of minutes.

Sharon Evans wrote:489 gets the call again as it takes an 8 car 216 east from Chama on a cool, clear September Saturday. Those watching will have noted that 487 sits in front of the left stall of the house with its pop going off every couple of minutes.

487 has in general had that pop off going off every couple minutes it seems almost every time it sits out since they brought it back to service. I wonder if that's something just unique to that locomotive building more pressure or if they are purposely testing something -- seems the testing should have been done by now. I'm no expert in steam locomotive operation, so just guessing. Perhaps one of the folks with more knowledge could fill us in. Maybe we'll see 487 tonight on the dinner train.

I am also wondering that with 487 seeming to be ok if they have removed 488 for the season. Wasn't it the next engine due for FRA major inspection?

Sharon Evans wrote:I am also wondering that with 487 seeming to be ok if they have removed 488 for the season. Wasn't it the next engine due for FRA major inspection?

Yes you are correct Sharon. I had thought yesterday with 487 working in back of the shop that perhaps it was moving 488 inside, and we haven't seen 488 in a few days now. Not sure they would actually start the work until the season is over, but I guess they could.

487 is getting coal so will be on the 226 tonight. Also 463 has partially backed into the left engine house stall. Not sure if its going to pull 488 out.

484 passes the waiting 487 as it brings an 8 car 215 into Chama yard.

Here's today's video review - another busy day for the railroad, not quite doubleheader busy as with last weekend but 216 looked to be well patronized today. 487 made a couple short light moves this afternoon, 463 visited the ash pit and went for a drink, and a few more of our four legged friends made a visit, and finally the dinner train departure.

09-12-15 Train 216 Departs

09-12-15 - 487 Afternoon Moves - Shortly after 1pm 487 moved to the ashpit/water and coaled. Around 1:45 after several people were around the locomotive, she headed out of the yard for a short run, by just after 2pm there had been two very short ~5 minute runs out of the yard. Once back, they moved to the coal dock to await 215's return. There is the advanced school that is supposed to start tomorrow, no idea if this move had to do with that, or a short run for testing an issue - either way, unusual move.



09-12-15 Train 215 returns, as 487 remains patiently waiting by the coal dock.

09-12-15 - As the dinner train was boarding and nearing departure, a family of deer decided to visit. First noticed by the yellow shed to the right of the bunkhouse, the family of four crossed over to the swamp. By the size I'd say two young and two adults. I thought the 2nd adult that crossed last may be a buck with antlers, but I can't tell for sure.


09-12-15 Dinner train departure as 484 finishes up for the day - 487 had to make a water stop, which I wondered about at the time -- then did my review to find the extra runs as posted above.


09-12-15 Dinner Train Returns

Thanks everyone for the great coverage on Saturday! Another great day on the RR.