Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Fresh snow for today trains!! A beautiful scene! The smoke and steam will be spectacular!

That's lovely Larry.

I thought I was going to miss today, but the first snow of the season has arrived here in Newcastle so I've been reprieved

489 is out in the snow!

Fueling up after running up the main. No stop at the tank.

Workers pushing snow off walks and platforms while 489 backs down to coach set.

Let it snow!!! Depot camera really picks up the flakes!' A great day for a Christmas Train!!

Beautiful!

Mark Sigmon wrote:Beautiful!

Oh, just to be there today!!

A meeting of the minds on east end of platform underway? Shoveling work is recovered!:)

Workers move about as 489 pulls coaches ahead.

Riders are arriving for 9:00 departure of first train.

Many days since we've seen this scene!!

Santa!!!! Better be good little boys and girls!!!:)

Great coverage Larry - I missed it after all

Wish I was there - it's going to be a wonderful trip.

Great timing but, donde es la ninos

First run leaves 9:10. Santa in open Gon!

Here's video of the 1st departure -

What are the approx. departure times for the trains today?

Mark Sigmon wrote:What are the approx. departure times for the trains today?

Split times for approx arrivals.
Same schedule Sunday.

Thanks Larry. That Santa shot will be a FCTS Christmas card early next week.

Jason Rose wrote:Thanks Larry. That Santa shot will be a FCTS Christmas card early next week.

You are welcome! Great fun watching in the falling snow!

Mike Maguire wrote:Great coverage Larry - I missed it after all

Wish I was there - it's going to be a wonderful trip.

Thanks!! Me too on being there!!

489 used runby siding to return! New from operations of past years. Since poor visibility and going only as far as Lobato took advantage of siding to run loco around.

First train returns video - as Larry G said different from last year, probably safer than reversing all the way to the yard.



Likely the last video I'll post for the day until later - work gets in the way -- again!!!!

489 has run around coaches and is preparing for run 2.

2nd section returns at 12:05. Santa in open gon with large crowd waiting on platform for section 3.

A few minutes later 489 runs past to get ready for section 3 as people move about.

Dogs play and Santa reboards. Then section 3 heads out of the yard.

Those "Santa" shots are pretty neat! My favorite is the earlier one where he's standing by the Chama station.

Looks like Santa is set for the last trip of the days!

5th and final section just left. Santa is riding in the Gon and 4 elfs on rear platform.

Last section of the day backs into the yard at 6:10. Snow is falling from the night sky.

[google-video][/google-video]Mother with two happy children walk hand in hand just before 489 cuts off and heads for service. The children had been playing in the snow and watching the train after getting off. Many memories for them!

489 backs off the ash pit and into the engine house around 7:00 PM local time to conclude Saturday's Trains. Steam was outside and active for twelve hours today.


Check back tomorrow as 5 more runs are coming Sunday!

Sunday's Schedule:

Thanks for the coverage, Larry. I've been too busy today to check in much.

The night shots are really special.

Jason Rose wrote:Thanks for the coverage, Larry. I've been too busy today to check in much.

The night shots are really special.

You are welcome, Jason. A perfect day for a Santa Train to run. Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Thank you very much Mr. Gibson for the wonderful coverage of the day! Job well done!!!!

I'll be putting together some kind of compilation video from yesterday, will likely have it ready in a day or so - for now, I thought I'd put up the after dark return of train #5 of the day, as well as the move to the shop when done - interesting sights with the dark and snow and steam. What a fantastic day to be on the railroad, and a huge thank you to all involved for working so hard when mother nature was trying her best to make things difficult!

I don't often focus anything on the people, especially on the depot cam, but thought this may mean something to someone. Couple kids that were running around, took a minute to stop and wave at the camera. Maybe kids of a Friends member, or someone that watches the cams regular, so this may be a nice memory for someone. Only a few seconds long.

Here is the promised Christmas Card. Thanks again, Larry.

Jason Rose wrote:Here is the promised Christmas Card. Thanks again, Larry.

You're welcome Jason. You made a great graphic from the capture.

YEA - HOORAH! Love it! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY "FRIENDS. "