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No cars in the lot yet and the deer are still walking about, over in front of the log house. If I remember correctly, on their first day they stay around Chama doing yard switching.

Preparations for today's train 216: 489

Student train preparations: 463

It is hard to see, but I think that the advanced students are getting a taste of how to blow down an ash pan.





The 463 will probably remain at the dock until 216 leaves.

Departure of train 216: 489 and 7 cars




The students are gathered around 463 as 216 passes by.

As I have been watching all morning, the advanced students are doing almost everything. They are throwing the switches, acting as conductor and earlier cleaned the ash pan. I would not be surprised if they are not also acting as fireman.

The advanced class has the students doing all of the regular crew duties (under the supervision of experienced crew members). This includes cleaning the ash in the morning (and at night), oiling, taking water, taking coal, throwing switches, coupling and connecting air lines, setting out cars, driving, firing and minor repairs. One of the things that is really stressed is the coordination and communication required between crew on the ground and in the cab. About the only thing they don't do is figure out in which order to pick up cars so that they can readily be set out later on. It is a lot more "fluid" than the regular schools since the students are setting trains up for RR events in the next several weeks. Although you get an appreciation of what real railroaders do from the regular schools, the advanced school really drives this home, particularly when you are trying to do your work around the schedule of the regular trains. Because there is a maximum of 6 students, you end up doing a lot more work than in the regular classes. Last year I would have liked if the school had gone on for 2 full weeks, it was that much fun.

Thanks Pete, that is the impression I was getting in watching what was going on. I bet it is more fun since it is a more immersive experience. Last I checked on the C&TS site, there were only 4 students this year so they are going to work that fannies off.

Arrival of train 215: 487 and 7 cars

Even with the rain, there are passengers riding the open gon.

I left home shortly after 216 departed so missed out on that the students did this afternoon and now the 463 seems gone somewhere, up the hill maybe? Also anyone know their schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday? Well one thing that they did, retrieve the stock cars from deep inside of south yard and put them up by Gramps.

Sharon Evans wrote:Thanks Pete, that is the impression I was getting in watching what was going on. I bet it is more fun since it is a more immersive experience. Last I checked on the C&TS site, there were only 4 students this year so they are going to work that fannies off.

Last year with 6 students we had 2 firemen, an engineer and a brakeman working. The other two students were "dead heading" until it was there turn to work. Crew change spots were Lobato, Cumbres, Los Pinos and Osier (we did not go all the way to Antonito). At that time we were staging cars to go over to Antonito for one of the photo specials.

Sharon Evans wrote:I left home shortly after 216 departed so missed out on that the students did this afternoon and now the 463 seems gone somewhere, up the hill maybe? Also anyone know their schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday? Well one thing that they did, retrieve the stock cars from deep inside of south yard and put them up by Gramps.

Last year they were working out the schedule for class so I don't know if this year will be the same. Here's what we did.
Monday, make up a train in the Chama yard including pulling some cars from the middle of a string. Discovered a broken air hose and replaced it. Discovered a problem with 463 which resulted in an engine swap and an early lunch. Ran up to Cumbres setting out some cars at Lobato and at Cumbres. Turned at Cumbres and came back down to Chama picking up the setout at Lobato. Turned the train and dropped the cars and then did end of day ash cleanout and fire reset.
Tuesday, pretty much the Monday routine but without the engine swap or airhose replacement. After turning the train, made up the train for Wednesday morning since we would be running ahead of 216. Did the end of day cleanout.
Wednesday, left early and did a setout at Lobato. At Cumbres we picked up the cars that had been setout there on Monday and Tuesday and proceeded toward Osier. After a crew change at Los Pinos, we discovered a problem with brake rigging on one of the cars picked up at Cumbres. It had to be repaired there because MOW was occupying the siding at Los Pinos. We proceeded to Osier barely ahead of 216 and were able to turn the train on the loop before 215 arrived. After lunch we proceeded back to Cumbres and setout cars for the upcoming photo train. We then proceeded back to Chama picking up the setout from that morning.

There had been some talk at the time about a trip to Antonito but last year it did not work out. Perhaps with the photo train, movie, etc. this year's class may go over to Antonito.

Again, thanks Pete for your insight.

I am in this year's advanced class (and last years as well). Pete is exactly right about our duties and responsibilities. There are only 4 of us this year which means we are all working all the time. Yesterday we set out a box car at Lobato and then a stock car at Cumberes. We turned at Cumbres and followed 215 down the hill, picking up the box car at Lobato. Today we will switch in the yard in the morning, making up our train, then head to Cumbres. We wil set a car out at Lobato and another stock car at Cumbres. The stock cars will stay at Cumbres for a future photo event. Tomorrow we will do pretty much the same, except go to Osier and likely set out cars at Los Pinos to be picked up on our return.

Having only 4 is much better than 6 as the learning is faster, we get to do more and are always busy. I have done the fireman class, 3 engineer classes and the advanced school last year. I must say that yesterday was the most fun day i have ever had in steam railroading

Jim, thanks for that "on scene" report. Look forward to more from you if you can.

Video from the day -

216 departs, as 463 awaits at the coal dock to begin the days switching.



After some switching in the South yard, 463 brings a string of stock cars to the North yard.



463 brought one of the stock cars to the South yard, picked up the rest of the train and headed on out after stopping for water.

Train 215 arrives. After turning at the wye, 484 did a small amount of switching, moving the caboose that has been on the Friends work session track, over beside the roundhouse. Perhaps clearing that track for more school train switching use today?



Finally the school train arrives back in Chama