Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Can't see a locomotive number yet, but the loaders are cycling through with coal - getting closer!

7:55 Loader pushed loco back into the Engine House. Will we see smoke today ?

Yes - we have smoke!

(Don't blame them at all for pushing back inside to light the fire. Nasty morning in Chama.)

Yes! There is smoke from the west stall at 8:05!

Thanks Bruce, Mike and Edwin for the heads up on the activity, Here is video of the morning activity. Cold looking rain, snow, sleet mix this morning. I'm thinking this is 484, but I've completely lost track of where the locomotives are. I'll be recording through the day in case they decide to come out later.

Thanks Larry. Never seen two loaders working together before. Maybe it's because it's not a nice day to be outside.

IIRC, each of the locomotives need to be fired up, before full operations, as a part of its annual inspection to make sure that all connections, etc. are steam-tight and appliances such as injectors, air pumps, etc. are functioning properly. After their initial firing, they get cooled down and any necessary adjustments are made before they are turned loose for real work. So, we may or may not see anything shuffling around he yard today, but it won't be long now until we do!

is anyone looking at the Antonito cam there's a train on the crossing

She's back out! I didn't catch the number.

Jeff

its 484 489 in in the engine house with her plow on

Three weeks until opening day and I am listening to the sound of pops going off in the Chama yard. It is nice after the quiet of winter to be hearing live steam locomotives again.

I believe that it's #484, resplendent in new paint, but not lettered yet.

Would think they need to move to the water plug soon since they must have filled it from a hose while in the hose so they could get a fire going and build pressure. Than we can see if there is a number visible.

She is moving on the lead track and no numbering or lettering. From the whistle it's not the 489 unless they swapped out its whistle. Now back in the house.

and doesn't 489 have a plow like 487

Here's a video of the first real motion of the season! Nice to see, and I would agree with it being #484, but can't tell for sure.

Actually upon review they did move down past the tipple earlier as #484 emerged. Sounds like 3 locomotives echoing on here, I had all 3 cams on they get a bit out of sync so sound is a bit weird - I have to knock off a winter long rust, hope you'll forgive the extra noise --- or should I say music to the ears!!!!!

Thanks Larry! I looked in several times today and saw only the Enginehouse smoke. Glad to see the first loco emerge to start the new season!

Thanks for those Larry - I too missed most of the action.

It -is- the 484, if there was any doubt.

Hey Popeye, It appears that the 87 is ready in Antonito, 463 & 484 in Chama. Did you see 489 and can tell us how close it is to being ready to roll? Thanks!

Doug Frederick wrote:It -is- the 484, if there was any doubt.

That was my take too - at least it is the 494's tender - I think I can always tell by placement of the box in the back corner on top of the tender. I do not think there is one there on the 487, 488, or 489, at least not the past few years I have been watching.
John

Jonathan Cordova wrote:is anyone looking at the Antonito cam there's a train on the crossing

19 plowed snow, all the way to Cumbres.

John Cole wrote:Hey Popeye, It appears that the 87 is ready in Antonito, 463 & 484 in Chama. Did you see 489 and can tell us how close it is to being ready to roll? Thanks!

John, I heard from rumor control that the 89 is waiting on something for the super heater, but is otherwise fairly ready. That is -not- official scuttlebut.

hey doug i heard 487 is coming down to chama from Antonito with the rest of the coaches and parlor car

John Cole wrote:Hey Popeye, It appears that the 87 is ready in Antonito, 463 & 484 in Chama. Did you see 489 and can tell us how close it is to being ready to roll? Thanks!

Talked to Avery today, he said they're doing some timing on the valve gear, and it's done except for the polishing.