Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

With the end of July the RR nears the 1/2 way point of the 2016 Operating Season. A clear night at Cumbres makes for some great star gazing. Tune in later to see what daylight brings!

Early morning action here in Chama. I can hear the whistles from my room and watching it on the cam. Looks like 487 just moved over from right to left side and partially shoved 484 into the west stall. I would think 487 is going to get he call today but I am hoping maybe I get to ride behind a double header if they send 463 back to Antonito for another week or two of the turn action.

Looks like 463 is going to be involved today. Does the portend a DH on the 216? 8:00 AM

Looks like Sharon may get her wish for a DH as a K-36 is waiting behind 463 at the ashpit.

At 8:15 463 heads for the water tank as 487 glides onto the ashpit.

At 8:27 463 backs up the main heading for fuel dock.

While 463 is being fueled 487 backs up the main waiting its turn at the fuel dock at about 8:35.

By 8:40 463 has cleared the fuel dock switch so 487 can go on. Today it's been "two step" waltz in the yard!

By 8:48 both locos are on the main as today's passengers start to gather at the depot. Photographers also move about enjoying the friendly Chama yard!

Near 9:00 487 pulls ahead on the main so 463 can bring coaches out of the storage track to add for today's 216.

At 9:08 463 pulls two coaches out from storage for today's DH.

At 9:27 463 pulls the coach set into boarding position for today's 216.

The ashpit simmers, the fire patrol speeder readies, as 487 moves into helper position for today's train. 463 will run through to Antonito and 487 will return light after helping the train up the hill.

All appears ready for the 10:00 departure.

By 9:35 fire patrol has cooled off the ashpit before moving up to the mainline switch to wait.

Today's 216 pulls away from the platform at 10:10 in doubleheader formation. A great day and adventure await!!

Fantastic coverage today Mr. Gibson sir!! You even caught Sharon Evans waving from the platform of the parlor car. Sharon have a great ride behind that double-header, another bonus for your visit to Chama!!!!

Excitement and fun on the parlor car platform as the 216 heads out today! Have fun Sharon!! Wish we were there too!
Thanks Larry!! Glad to fill in the blanks today.

After returning light from the 216 the 487 returns from the wye and heads for service around 1:30.

Great coverage while Sharon is away, Larry G.

Thanks!

Jeff

Jeff Schrimmer wrote:Great coverage while Sharon is away, Larry G.

Thanks!

Jeff

You are welcome, Jeff. Trying to help out when I can. Larry G

An afternoon shower hits as 489 brings the 215 in at 4:08

489 and train set heads for wye at 4:19.

489 returns from the wye with the coaches at 4:30.

In an unexpected surprise after turning the coaches 489 picks up a caboose while a group beyond depot watches. Then it's a caboose hop. Headlight off/ back up light on:) 489 was pretty low on coal in the tender and didn't take on water so this is really interesting.

Larry Gibson wrote:With the end of July the RR nears the 1/2 way point of the 2016 Operating Season. A clear night at Cumbres makes for some great star gazing. Tune in later to see what daylight brings!

Larry, the moon isn't full. What are we looking at here? A star?

Well, the double header was a result of over 200 parents and children riding the Cinder Bear train up to Cumbres requiring the 2 extra coaches. This week has exceeded my wildest expectations with 3 double headers and 2 chances to ride behind 463 since I am doing 215 tomorrow.

Sharon Evans wrote:Well, the double header was a result of over 200 parents and children riding the Cinder Bear train up to Cumbres requiring the 2 extra coaches. This week has exceeded my wildest expectations with 3 double headers and 2 chances to ride behind 463 since I am doing 215 tomorrow.

Except for in the fall you couldn't have picked a better time to be there that's for sure!! It's great to hear the Cinder Bear trains are bringing in so many youngsters - maybe they'll be lifelong fans of the railroad!

Have to wonder if 463 is in for another long stint running out of Antonito, so you may get a loco switch at Osier today too!

Larry Sullivan wrote:

Sharon Evans wrote:Well, the double header was a result of over 200 parents and children riding the Cinder Bear train up to Cumbres requiring the 2 extra coaches. This week has exceeded my wildest expectations with 3 double headers and 2 chances to ride behind 463 since I am doing 215 tomorrow.

Except for in the fall you couldn't have picked a better time to be there that's for sure!! It's great to hear the Cinder Bear trains are bringing in so many youngsters - maybe they'll be lifelong fans of the railroad!

Have to wonder if 463 is in for another long stint running out of Antonito, so you may get a loco switch at Osier today too!

That is what the crew was saying yesterday, so am expecting it to happen.

Thought I would also post a still from yesterday. Whole family waving at the cam after 216 departed. If this is a regular cam watcher or Friends member feel free to PM me, I'll put together the video of you all waving if you'd like it.



216 Departs with 487 as helper and 463 as road locomotive. A great morning for a double-header.



487 returns after helper duty and heads to the wye.



215 returns in a bit of a rain shower. After turning the train at the wye, 489 goes into the South yard and gets a caboose, bringing it to the swamp - likely for work session this week.

Jason Rose wrote:

Larry Gibson wrote:With the end of July the RR nears the 1/2 way point of the 2016 Operating Season. A clear night at Cumbres makes for some great star gazing. Tune in later to see what daylight brings!

Larry, the moon isn't full. What are we looking at here? A star?

Jason, I'll have to defer to any experts on this one for a crisp explanation. Just thought it was interesting when I viewed it. Larry

Larry Gibson wrote:

Jason Rose wrote:

Larry Gibson wrote:With the end of July the RR nears the 1/2 way point of the 2016 Operating Season. A clear night at Cumbres makes for some great star gazing. Tune in later to see what daylight brings!

Larry, the moon isn't full. What are we looking at here? A star?

Jason, I'll have to defer to any experts on this one for a crisp explanation. Just thought it was interesting when I viewed it. Larry

My guess is it's the bright star I see up there every so often, was able to pick out a constellation one night. I know it's not moon, full moon up there makes it look like daylight! Then again it could just be a Cumbres UFO!!!!