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463 comes out to the pit first. If she is the road engine than either a 5 car train or double header today. I am surprise to see that 15 is still outside. If I remember correctly by this time last year it had been put away in the west stall of the round house.

As I have watched the cams, I have decided I would not like the job of blowing the ash out of the locomotive.

463 backs down the main after getting water and on the way for coal.

The loader at the coal dock adds coal to the bunker of 463.

The plot thickens or the games afoot, 484 has come to the pit even after it looked like it was going to spend its day simmering.

I have a feeling this will be one of those early June quiet time short trains -- but we can hope it's otherwise!

They have just taken coal over to the 484 with the all terrain loader, so maybe short train. They are also cleaning the ash pit, which I would not expect yet if another locomotive was coming now.

484 went for a drink after the ash pit visit, got two more bucket loads of coal from the loader and is now back outside the East door of the shop.

Looks like 463 will pull a 6 car train up the hill today.

#463 leads a 6 car train out of Chama today.

After Memorial Day the first part of June does slow down until the kids get out of school. So yes it makes sense to use 463 as the road engine on a shorter train as you saw today. A 6 car train can handle the passenger loads. No reason to haul an extra coach around when you don't need to. This is a good operational plan and one of the reasons the Friends raised the $1.3 million to rebuild 463. It fills the void, in my opinion, until the 488 comes back. You can operate the railroad in a reasonable fashion with 4 locomotives.

Looks like 489 has come out of the house and is now behind the 484 over on the east lead.

I have always wondered who actually owns the 463. I have figured it was not the C&TS since it maintains the old D&RGW circle logo on its tender.

Sharon Evans wrote:I have always wondered who actually owns the 463. I have figured it was not the C&TS since it maintains the old D&RGW circle logo on its tender.

The railroad owns 463. No question.

I don't know the specific reason she keeps the historic pant scheme, but it may simply be because she's a special engine. And, since the Friends raised the funds to pay for the restoration, some special considerations may have been given.

In any case, I sure like seeing the old herald.

Thanks Jason...

Crew is getting supplies out of the red locker right before 215 arrives.

Actually the truck brought filled gas cans and the guy is putting them into the flammables locker. He may have also removed empty ones.

Arrival of train 215 01 into Chama

487 is approaching the coaling tower

Parlor Colorado has the markers and is still wearing its bunting on the back rail

487 passes the depot as it slows the train for the stop

Here's today's videos -

Starting with the morning preparations for #463, with #484 visiting the ash pit for some momentary wonder of a double-header.



A six car train 216 departs behind #463



#487 leads train 215 in for the afternoon arrival, with a 7 car train.