Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

It looks hazy in Chama this morning as we await the start of morning preparations for train 216. There is the extra coach which was on 215 yesterday sitting on the main separated from the train for road access to the shops. Is it going back out today? Ridership must be good since we have seen 8 cars on the trains since Wednesday.





Will it, is it, maybe it is????
As 463 moves off to take water, 487 comes ahead to have its fire cleaned






487 is waiting for 463 to clear out of the coal dock lead


Morning preparation shots are continues below

It's 8:00, two hours out to departure here, early riders are starting to arrive and move about.

You and I both would get to the yard early to photograph the morning activities as they were happening. Bet some of these folks are there to document their great experiences in Chama. And you caught 487 doing its thing over at the house.

Sharon Evans wrote:You and I both would get to the yard early to photograph the morning activities as they were happening. Bet some of these folks are there to document their great experiences in Chama. And you caught 487 doing its thing over at the house.

I'd be right here!! Or am I there???

When did you grab that shot, last summer? Be careful, some people may thing we have some voodoo means of taking shots like that remotely.

Sharon Evans wrote:When did you grab that shot, last summer? Be careful, some people may thing we have some voodoo means of taking shots like that remotely.

Sharon the remote control cam was installed during session C didn't we tell you???


Well, I can dream can't I??

Ok - back to the day's coverage here -- do we have a shot at a double-header today? We'll soon find out I guess.

Larry Sullivan wrote:Ok - back to the day's coverage here -- do we have a shot at a double-header today? We'll soon find out I guess.

Right on it Larry!!!

Morning preparations continued from above
We have several possibilities here: This is a double header for effect; there will be an 5th coach; there is a caboose charter on the rear.



If you look in the left distance, you can see 487's backup light.

Something we usually do not get to clearly see

A little off the preparations but nice anyway.

Departure of train 216.
Eight cars today so maybe someone in management thought a double header would be a nice touch for the Saturday riders and chasers.

Fire patrol speeder is at the pit



As 487 clears the coaling tower, note all the fans photographing this train.


At this point the Chama feed froze so no further shot from departure.

The last time I can remember them doing a double-header with less than 9 cars was back two or three seasons ago when they had slick tracks with the caterpillars. I'm sure they have a reason, would be nice for one of our locals to find out what it is.

Larry Sullivan wrote:The last time I can remember them doing a double-header with less than 9 cars was back two or three seasons ago when they had slick tracks with the caterpillars. I'm sure they have a reason, would be nice for one of our locals to find out what it is.

I remember the car host in my Parlor on a ride in early July 2012, talking about the heavy tent caterpillar infestation and the slick tracks.

Oh, great joy, not, the feed froze just as 487 passed the coaling tower.

Sharon Evans wrote:Oh, great joy, not, the feed froze just as 487 passed the coaling tower.

Didn't even get that far for me, and it's still down. Started to burp a bit before going totally down, so guessing an ISP issue.

Oh well, got to see the start of the departure.

487 has returned from Cumbres after assisting 216 up.

Sharon Evans wrote:When did you grab that shot, last summer? Be careful, some people may thing we have some voodoo means of taking shots like that remotely.

Last fall during trip with my boys! Couldn't resist the juxtaposition!:)

Arrival of train 215: Had 7 cars on it which means they left the extra coach which 216 had yesterday in Antonito.

There are people enjoying the ride and commentary in the open gon until the final moment

The parlor Colorado brings up the markers as the fire patrol speeder trails along behind the train

No help on why the doubleheader since I rode Antonio to Chama. We did encounter enough rain at Los Pinos to clear the gon but no evidence of any moisture from Cumbres to Chama.

RPO has been moved back to it's depot spot. I see why I thought it had been wrapped, with the piece of plastic on top. All white primer however.