Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

The gardening crew continues with the weeding in view of the South cam this morning, as one of the locomotive lights just came on and we should have activity soon.



489 at the ash pit as the day begins.

489 gets a drink, then heads for the coal dock.



Looks like checking the sand while the coal is being loaded in the tender.

487 at the ash pit for daily cleaning as 489 has hooked up to today's train

In addition to locomotive moves, there's lots of activity to be seen this morning. The Friends gardening crew has cleared away most of the brush which obscured the track on the coaling ramp, though it's getting more difficult as they work along the margins. The slopes are so badly eroded that they have to play "mountain goats" to get to the brush. The kitchen supply car is getting a coat of paint, while the wheel and tie car crew continues to make progress getting the superstructure rebuilt. During the past few days, I've seen a guy who appears to be a contractor measuring and assessing work to be done in preparation for rebuilding the south end of the coaling ramp? if so, it's long needed repair. Chama is a busy place!

Right on time 489 takes out train 216 as many of the Friends pause in their work for a couple minutes to wave at the passengers.

At 3:30 idling locos smoke up the yard while visitors move about.

489 brings 215 in at 4:14.

After passengers clear the platform it's off to the wye at 4:27.

489's smoke drifts in the distance over the wye as a fellow inspects the sandbox.

489 returns with coach set at 4:40 as a worker with supplies prepares for service.

Next 489 pulls out a coach from storage to add to tomorrow's 216.

At 4:55 489 heads for service.

489 arrives at the ashpit at 5:01. A photographer appears to be having a fun time.

Weather over the RR may get interesting over the next days.