Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Over the next several weeks or months, I will be posting the links to each days activity

May through June
5/25/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4617
We are 2 days away from opening day and the activity in the yard is picking up.

5/27/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4627
Opening Day for the 2017 season gets started with 489 coming out first on this day and 487 was right behind so double header right away. Train 216 had 12 cars on it but some were headed to Antonito for a special. Train 215 came into Chama behind 463 with 9 cars on it.

5/28/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4628
The day opens with 484 coming out but 463 was right behind the 484. Once 484 got coal it pulled down toward the depot to allow 463 to get in. Then it pulled up by the tipple so 463 could get into position to be the road locomotive on the train. Not long after 463 got coal and pulled into the south yard lead, 487 comes out from the house and begins prep. Next thing we knew, 463 was headed back to the house and now 484 is going to be the road locomotive and 487 the helper on this 9 car train 216. In the afternoon, 489 comes into Chama with a 7 car train 215.

5/29/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4632
463 is first out this Memorial Day with 489 second. Whatever was wrong with 463 yesterday must be corrected to the satisfaction of the maintenance crew. Interesting in that today’s train 216 is only 7 cars so the double header must be a positioning move. Train 215 was 7 cars this day also and had 487 leading.

5/30/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4640
With the holiday weekend over, normal routine should be the case with 484 coming out for train 216. Prior to departure of the daily train, 484 does some switching by the round house. Train 216 departs with 7 cars as 484 gets it moving almost on time. 463 brings a 7 car train 215 into the yard at 4:45 pm.

6/1/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4654
June begins with 484 coming out for its prep for train 216. It departs almost on time with 7 cars behind the 484. Afternoon arrival of train 215 was close to time this day with 487 leading a 7 car train into Chama.

6/2/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4661
489 got the call today to take a 7 car train 216 out of Chama. 484 brought a 7 car train 215 over from Antonito in the rainy weather.

6/3/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4666
463 was first out this day with 489 coming out next. It was again the case of an equipment move to get 463 over to Antonito since train 216 only had 7 cars this day. If they want 463 to be in the general rotation then these double headers are necessary. Train 215 comes into Chama almost right at 4 pm with 7 cars behind 487.

6/4/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4670
The clear morning had 489 coming out to lead a 7 car train 216 from Chama. In the afternoon 463 comes in with a 7 car train 215.

6/5/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4673
487 has the call to take a 7 car train 215 east to Antonito. 489 comes back into Chama with its 7 car train 215. An added treat on this day was 315 coming back to Chama with a short freight after its special duties.

6/6/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4676
489 was the locomotive today to take its 7 car train 216 out of Chama. 487 brings the 7 car train 215 into Chama in the afternoon.

6/7/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4678
484 was the locomotive for today’s 7 car train 216. Frank Smith is seen in the early stills as he watches the morning preparations and he gives his usual waves on departure. In the afternoon, the 7 car train 216 comes in with 489 leading.

6/8/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4683
487 takes the 7 car train 216 out this morning. 484 comes back in the pm with its 7 car train 215.

6/9/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4685
489 got the call to take a 7 car train 216 out to Antonito. A 7 car train 215 comes in with 487 leading.

6/10/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4688
Another 7 car train 216 leaves Chama with 487 leading. In the afternoon we again have 7 cars on train 215 as it arrives into Chama with 489 leading.

6/11/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4690
489 is the locomotive called to take the 7 car train 216 east on this sunny morning. The first Fireman/Engineer School started this afternoon so we have added action over the next few days. 487 was about an hour late arriving in Chama with its 7 car train.

6/12/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4691
484 gets the call for the student freight. Today they make 2 round trips to Cumbres Pass. The students get the first run to Cumbres out of Chama right at 8 am. 487 has the call for the 7 car train 216 and it is out of Chama right at 10 am. We have the second departure of the student train after their lunch. Train 215 arrives Chama behind 489 and has the usual 7 cars. The student train is into Chama about 30 minutes later.

6/13/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4692
The students are running through to Antonito today and 489 gets the call to power this run. Again they are out of Chama just after 8 am. 484 gets the call for train 216 and it has 7 cars today as it leaves right at 10 am. 487 has the 7 car train 215 into Chama at 4:15 pm.

6/14/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4693
The students return to Chama this afternoon. Train 216 will have 487 powering it this morning as it heads to Antonito with 7 cars. The student freight comes into Chama first with 489 leading and this is followed about 50 minutes later by train 215 with 484 and 7 cars.

6/15/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4694
There was some early movement of locomotives at the house prior to 484 coming out to begin to get ready for today’s train 216. 484 takes the 7 car train 215 out of Chama right at 10 am. 487 comes into Chama with a 7 car train 215 just after 4 pm.

6/16/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4696
The day began with 463 headed out of Chama light engine to power the Geology train on 6/17. 487 is going to be the power on train 216 today and it will pull the usual 7 car train with an extra, a flat car tucked in behind the 487. No video or stills of train 215 arriving in the afternoon.

6/17/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4698
489 is today’s locomotive and will take a 7 car train 216 out of Chama. Again nothing on the arrival of train 215.

6/18/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4700
484 gets the call on this Father’s Day and will power a 7 car train to Antonito. 489 brings a 7 car train 215 into Chama just slightly past 4 pm. The 463 brought the Geology train into Chama just ahead of 215.

6/19/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4703
489 is the power for today’s 8 car train 216 with left Chama about 10 minutes late. Also the Friend’s work session C began today and we can see them hard at work. Train 215 came into Chama about 10 minutes late with 7 cars.

6/20/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4706
484 was the power for today’s train 216, but did a fair amount of switching in south yard prior to hook up to its train. It left with a 7 car train 216 just after 10 am. 489 powered train 215 as it arrived Chama with 8 cars.

6/21/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4707
As 487 moves about getting ready for today’s train 216, we can see members of the Friends working hard to rehab various freight cars which will add to the experience of being on the Cumbres and Toltec. These cars will also be used in Friend’s photo freights. 487 leaves Chama with an 8 car train 216 right at 10 am. Train 215 came into Chama with484 leading 7 cars.

6/22/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4710
489 is called to take train 216 out today and it adds a 4th coach so the train is 8 cars long. In the afternoon, 487 comes into Chama with its 7 car train 215.

6/23/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4713
487 does some switching prior to today’s train 216 and it coupled a 4th coach on so the train will be 8 cars long and it left Chama almost right at 10 am. 489 comes into Chama with a 7 car train 215 right at 4 pm.

6/24/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4716
We will have a double header this day with 463 as the road locomotive and 484 providing the extra power to Cumbres Pass. The train is 8 passenger cars and 2 high sided rider gons behind the 463 for 10 cars total. Train 215 gets into Chama just before 4:10 pm with 487 towing 7 cars.

6/25/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4719
This Sunday is beautiful in Chama and 489 will take a normal 7 car train 216 out of town. 463 brings the 8 car train 215 back into Chama just past 4 pm.

6/26/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4721
There was some early switching at the engine house before preparations began for the day. 487 gets the call to take a 7 car train 216 east. In the afternoon 489 comes into Chama with 7 cars on train 215.

6/27/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4724
As the Friends continue to work, 489 comes out and will take an 8 car train 216 east to Antonito. Train 215 comes into Chama with 487 leading 8 cars, the normal 7 car consist and a flat car behind the locomotive. In the last still at the depot, you can see that this flat car has a ramp to load wheeled vehicles onto it.

6/28/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4730
487 has the call today and prior to departure the railroad staff has loaded their small man lift onto that flat, so train 216 will have 7 coaches and they flat. That man lift was taken to Cumbres Pass. Train 215 comes into Chama with 489 leading 8 cars.

6/29/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4734
484 is the locomotive called for this morning. After I went out, the feed froze and have nothing past this.

6/30/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4740
489 has gotten the call to take the 7 car train 216 east this morning. In the afternoon, 484 comes back to Chama leading the 7 car train 215. Today is also the end to work session D.

7/1/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4747
The 488 is now out being pulled out before train time. This link is for the activities related to this movement.

7/1/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4746
The preparations for today’s train 216 moved forward with 487 getting the call to take the 7 car train east. In the afternoon 489 comes into Chama with a 7 car train 215.

7/2/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4750
Again this is a thread to cover the doings of 488 as they get it ready to run.

7/2/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4748
We have a double header planned for this Sunday with 463 as road locomotive and 489 helping to Cumbres. They take an 8 car train 216 out right on time. Afternoon train 215 comes into Chama with 487 leading 8 cars.

7/3/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4753
The 4th of July week kicks off with a shot that has not been seen in over a year, 4, hot K36’s in front of the engine house here in Chama. 489 has gotten the call to take a 7 car train 216 east to Antonito. In the afternoon, 488 moves about Chama yard on its own, then heads out of a check run on the main. 463 comes in with an 8 car train 215.

7/4/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4758
This holiday gets off to a start with 484 taking 8 cars out of Chama on train 216. 488 takes more shake down runs during the day. There is the 4th Sunset train to Cumbres for diner and back to watch the fireworks and 487 gets the call to take it out. 489 brings the 7 car train 215 into Chama which will be cleaned and turned to head back out at about 5. Seems that 2 additional open gons were added to the consist while the train was at Cumbres for the folks to watch the fireworks. The day ends with a sampling of the Chama fireworks display.

7/5/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4759
489 has gotten the call to head back to Antonito with today’s train 216. Prior to loading, the 2 extra open gons have to be removed. A 7 car train 216 is underway a few minutes past 10. 463 comes into Chama in the afternoon with a 9 car train 215.

7/6/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4762
487 is out to take train 216 east today with 8 cars. A 7 car train 215 comes into Chama with 489 leading.

7/7/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4764
Today is the day that 488 gets to test its legs with helper duty to Cumbres with 463 acting as road locomotive on the 8 car train 216. A 7 car train 215 comes in with 487 leading.

7/8/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4768
Today 488 gets the call to take train 216 all the way through to Antonito. It will lead an 8 car train over the pass. 463 comes back to Chama with a 7 car train 215.

7/9/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4772
A quiet Sunday with 489 taking a 7 car train 216 out of town. In the afternoon 488 comes back to Chama after its first round trip since fall of 2015 leading an 8 car train 215.

7/10/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4775
The July Fireman/Engineer School is underway so there will be extra moves today. 487 gets the call to power the student freight with leaves Chama for its morning run to Cumbres and it gets out of town just after 8 am. Train 216 will be a double header today with 463 as road locomotive and 488 again acting as helper. They get their 9 car train underway right at 10. The students are back in Chama just before noon for their lunch break before heading back to Cumbres in the afternoon. The day ends with 489 coming in with a 7 car 215 to be followed by the student train.



7/11/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4778
Today the students get to take their train all the way to Antonito. With 487 as power they head out just after 8 am with some extra cars for Antonito. Looks like 488 has gotten the call for train 216. It leaves just past 10 with 8 cars. 463 come back in the afternoon with 9 cars on train 215.

7/12/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4786
489 has gotten the call to take train 216 out this morning. It leaves with 8 cars just after 10 am. In the afternoon we have the school train returning along with 215. The student train in first into Chama at 3:15 followed by 215 at 4 pm with 488 and 9 cars.

7/13/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4789
487 is given on rest day after playing with the students all week, it gets the call to take 216 out. It gets underway just past 10 with its normal 7 cars and a caboose behind the parlor. 489 comes back with a 7 car train 215 right at 4.

7/14/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4791
489 gets the call to head back to Antonito on 216. After adding an extra coach, the 8 car train is out just past 10 am. In the afternoon 487 is back with a 7 car train 215.

7/15/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4795
463 is first out so double header today and looks like 488 is going out as helper. They have an 8 car train in hand as it pulls out right at 10 am. A 9 car train 215 comes into Chama with 489 leading 8 passenger cars and the caboose that went east on the 14th.

7/16/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4797
There is a 7 car 216 out of Chama today with 487 leading. Eight cars come back on 215 with 463 leading it into Chama.

Following this, I stopped doing them while I was on my trip to Chama for work session E and some chasing and riding. I resumed in August.

nice job

I begin my vacation to Chama at this point so all postings are by others who will be noted.
Beginning with 7/17/17 I am changing how I am doing the archive posting. I realize that Larry Sullivan only did videos so posting the links to the YouTube site was sufficient, but I do both stills and video and other individuals have posted relevant material to each day which may very well be of interest to viewers. So beginning with this day I am posting the link to the actual Web Camera date and will include a synopsis of that day’s activity. I am also planning to go back and change the ones that I have already done.

7/17/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4801
Larry Gibson posted a still of the house in the evening.

7/18/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4804
The day began with a 9 car train 216 using 463 as the road locomotive and 487 as the helper. Rick Calkins posted videos and stills of this departure. There was no reporting of the arrival of train 215.

7/19/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4805
Rick gives us a nice view of the sunrise over Antonito, but, sadly, his videos have some type of issue and will not play.
7/20/17 There was no posting on the forum.

7/21/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4808
We have still images posted by Rick Calkins by again his videos will not play.

7/22/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4811
Rick begins with some early morning shots of the yard prior to the cam going colour. Rick reports that we will have a double header with 463 and 488, but again his videos are not playing.
Sad to say that for some reason Rick’s videos for the entire period that I was gone to Chama for work session E and fun will not load and when I checked his YouTube channel they are not there. Therefore I will skip, in this archive, over until I resumed the postings on 8/12/17.

8/12/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4873
This day begins as 463 and 487 go through the preparation stages for train 216, includes both stills and video of the departure of the 7 car train. Several times they utilized a double header to get 463 over to Antonito when a lone K36 could have pulled the train. In the afternoon a 7 car train 215 comes into Chama behind 488. Was also able to catch 216 on the Cumbres cam earlier.

8/13/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4875
K36 489 is the locomotive for this day’s train 216. The 7 car train departs just after 10 am MDT and all of this is shown in stills and video. 463 will be bringing train 215 back into Chama as well as the August Fireman/Engineer School begins so an increase in train count the next few days.

8/14/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4877
This day we will see the students take their train out to Cumbres and back twice as well as the normal trains 216 and 215. The students have K36 487 to play with and 488 was the power on 216. Bruce McDowell was lucky in catching the student freight at Cumbres in the morning and I caught it on the pm run up there. Train 215 comes in behind 489.

8/15/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4884
The day began with all the Chama cams not functioning so there is no stills or video of train 216 or the student train leaving for Antonito. Luckily by the time of train 215 all was working again so we have 488 coming into Chama with a 7 car train.

8/16/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4884
The day begins with 463 coming out so a double header will be happening. 488 came out next so will be the helper to Cumbres. Today was a 9 car train 216 east. In the afternoon, the student train arrives into Chama first with 487 leading. Train 215 came next with 489 bringing in a 9 car train.

8/17/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4890
The student school over until September, we are back to a normal schedule. 488 gets the call for train 216 and leaves town on time with 7 cars. This is the day that the tender of 463 derailed just west of Cresco and all passengers had to be bused into Chama. 463 beings the train into town at 8:40 pm MDT.

8/18/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4893
489 was the power for the 7 car train 216 this day and was close to on time. In the afternoon 488 comes in with a 7 car train 215.

8/19/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4893
All activity related to train 216 was not recorded this day secondary to the stream into my computer freezing. We do have the arrival of train 215 behind 489.

8/20/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4893
488 gets the call for train 216 this Sunday morning and takes a 7 car train east on time. In the afternoon 487 was having brake issues with the train and all passengers were unloaded at second crossing to be bused into Chama and a dead head train arrived at 5:20. Also of note, they had substituted 2 of the flat roof coaches for the regular ones on this set.

8/21/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4903
489 comes out to begin the day and will take a 7 car train 216 east. In the afternoon 488 comes into town with a 7 car train 215. Jason Rose has posted a video of the eclipse viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4909

8/22/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4906
487 comes out to begin the day. It leaves Chama with a 7 car train 216. Frank Smith posted a neat shot of the eclipse taken from the train at Tanglefoot Curve. Train 215 comes into Chama behind 489 and with 7 cars.

8/23/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4912
488 is the locomotive on this day and takes a 7 car train 216 east out of Chama. 487 comes in on a 7 car train 215 in the afternoon.

8/24/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4914
489 gets the call and leaves with a 7 car train 216. In the afternoon 488 comes in with an 8 car train 215.

8/25/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4916.
487 will take a 7 car train 216 out of Chama this morning. Frank Smith also gives us a shot of the 463 after its makeover into RGS 455. Just after 216 leaves Chama, 488 comes out and takes C18 315 from its storage/display location over to the house getting coal and water in the process. 489 brings the 8 car train 215 into Chama.

8/26/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4919
It was a busy morning in Chama with 488 taking the regular train 216 out of Chama as well as 315 taking a 4 car train east as far as probably Osier. An 8 car train 216 was first out behind 488 and once it was clear, the 315 took its 4 car train out at 10:11 am MDT. Again Frank Smith gives us the scoop with a photograph of the tender of 463/455. In the afternoon we see 488 and its 8 car train return to Chama having turned on the balloon track there. About 4:55 PM, the 315 special returns to Chama with Rick Calkins getting stills of it, again his video will not play.

8/27/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4921
With 315 having to be in Antonito on 8/28, it comes out first to gets its train out of town ahead of 216. 488 comes out next to power today’s train 216. 315 gets a move on with its train at just past 8:30 am. 488 gets its prep done and takes a 7 car train 216 out of Chama a few minutes late. In the afternoon 487 was on train 215 but was again having issues with unexpected brake applications so 489 was sent up to Cumbres to replace the 487. The 487 then ran light engine into Chama ahead of the train and 489 came in on the 7 car train 215.

8/28/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4924
489 gets the call for train 216 and takes a normal 7 car train east. Earlier the 489 had shoved the 487 into the west house stall. Train 215 comes in with 488 leading a 7 car consist.
I went out of town from 8/29/17 to 8/31/17 so will show the posts made while gone.

8/29/17 and 8/30/17 no post

8/31/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4930
Larry Gibson kindly posted still images of the morning activities including train 216 leaving behind 489. I was back to capture the arrival of train 215 behind 489. There are also some interesting shots from Cumbres Pass of cattle being moved over the road.

September links
9/1/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4932
The day begins with 463, aka RGS 455, getting ready to head east with the cars needed for the special trains. It was out of Chama just past 8 am. Once the 463 was clear of the yard, 489 comes out to get ready for the days train 216. 489 gets its 7 car train 216 underway close to time. In the afternoon, 488 brings a 7 car train 215 into Chama.

9/2/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4934
The day begins with 488 getting ready for its duties on train 216. An extra coach is added to the train so an 8 car 216 departs Chama right on time. That afternoon 488 returns to Chama with the set of cars which left Antonito this morning so locomotives were swapped at Osier leaving 487 on the east end.

9/3/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4935
This beautiful Sunday in early September had 488 again headed east on train 216 and the 8 cars which came in Saturday went back out. In the afternoon, an 8 car train 215 comes in with 488 on the point, so they are still keeping 487 on the east side of the line. This was also the last day that Frank Smith rode for this year.

9/4/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4937
Labor Day of 2017 was another beautiful day in Chama with 488 again getting the call to take a 7 car train 216 east from Chama. In the afternoon 488 again returns to Chama with 487 still confined to the easier grade on the east side secondary to its brake issues.

9/5/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4941
488 is again the locomotive called out and it takes a 7 car train 216 east. In the afternoon, 487 comes back to Chama after a long absence and is leading a 7 car train 215.

9/6/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4943
489 is called to take today’s train 216 east. This is the first train for 489 in a while. 489 gets the 7 car train 216 underway right on time. The afternoon train 215 was 7 cars in length and lead by 488.

9/7/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4944
487 is called to head back east on the head of a 7 car train 216. Midafternoon, 315 returns to Chama after its duties on the special trains earlier in the week. A 7 car train 215 comes in with 489 on the point. After 215 was spun at the wye, 489 spent some time switching to get the Fireman/Engineer School train ready for the following week.

9/8/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4948
With the engine house crew happy with its performance, 489 is again called on to take train 216 east. The 7 car train is out of Chama right on time. Shortly after noon 463 moves the 315 back to its display location close to the depot. 487 brings the 7 car train 215 in this afternoon.

9/9/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4952
The morning began with a normal 7 car 216 leaving behind 488. In the afternoon 487 moved about the yard getting ready for the Fireman/Engineer school which starts tomorrow. Train 215 arrived behind 489.

9/10/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4954
489 gets the call to head back to Antonito with train 216 and leaves right on time with 7 cars. In the afternoon before train 215 arrives, 487 comes out to get ready for the students. After the hostlers are done with it we can see the gaggle of students gathering around the 487 for their briefing and official photo by Roger. 488 comes into Chama right at 4pm with train 215. After 215 is clear the students begin making their first runs.

9/11/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4955
As the day begins, it looks like they are going to use the 488 for the students as it’s out first getting ready. 487 comes out next and is at the pit as the 488 heads out of Chama with the student freight for its first run to Cumbres Pass. 487 gets train 216 underway close to the 10 am schedule. The students are back in Chama just before noon for their lunch break and then back to Cumbres for the afternoon. Had steaming issues after the arrival so did not get the departure back on the Students. Train 215 pulls into Chama just after 4 pm behind 489 and the student freight is just over 30 minutes behind it.

9/12/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4956
Today the students will take their train all the way though to Antonito. It’s just past 6:30 am when 488 comes out to get ready to haul the student freight. 488 gets headed out of Chama at slight past 8am as 489 has come out to begin its day. Train 216 is 8 cars today and 489 gets it moving right at 10 am. Train 215 is about 25 minutes late arriving with 10 cars behind 487.

9/13/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4959
487 has the call to take an 8 car train 216 east on this sunny September morning and leaves on time. The student train arrives back into Chama first at just past 3 pm with 488. Once they yard their train the adventure is over. 489 brings a 7 car train 215 into Chama slightly late.

9/14/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4960
489 is called to head back to Antonito on a 7 car train 216 and 487 comes in later with an 8 car train 215.

9/15/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4963
Looks like 487 gets to take the 8 car train it brought in yesterday back to Antonito as train 216. 489 comes into Chama with an 8 car train 215 in the afternoon.

9/16/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4964
488 leads an 8 car train 216 out of Chama this Saturday morning. There is a Sunset Diner train today and 489 gets the call to be its power. 487 comes into Chama with an 8 car 215 which will be quickly turned and cleaned to head back up the pass once 489 takes over.

9/17/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4966
Besides the 2 regular trains this day, the Advanced Engineer School starts this afternoon. 487 gets the call for train 216 and leads an 8 car consists out of Chama on time. About 30 minutes later 463 comes out to get ready for the advanced students. Just before 4 pm the students head out for their first check ride with 463 and get back into the yard just as 488 brings an 8 car train 215 into town.

9/18/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4969
The Advanced School is run differently than a normal class, there are only 6 students and they do everything including setting their schedule within reason. Today 489 is pulling and 8 car train 216 out of Chama, while the students with 463 do work in south yard. Finally at noon, they have their train and head out of Chama with 463, 8 cars and caboose, stopping at the tank first. Train 215 comes into Chama first at just past 4 pm with 487 leading a normal 7 car consist. The students follow at 5:30 pm.

9/19/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4973
463 is first out today getting ready for the students followed by 488 which will take train 216 east. The students are working again in the south yard this morning as 488 hooks up to it’s consist. Just after 10 am 488 leaves Chama with 8 cars to Antonito. Just before 11 am the students head out of Chama with 7 cars and a caboose. Again 463 needs a drink before heading up the pass. There was some activity at Cumbres involving the 215 so the students came into Chama first at 4 pm. About 50 minutes later, 489 brings a tardy train 215 into Chama with 9 cars.

9/20/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4976
The hostlers have 463 out by 6:30 am getting it ready for the students. Also we have a double headed train 216 on this Wednesday with 489 and 487 both getting ready. The students have their train headed out of Chama just prior to 8:30 am. Train 216 will head back east with the same 9 car consist 215 came in with on 9/19. 489 is the road locomotive with 487 helping up to Cumbres Pass. The students are back into Chama at 3:50 pm and had enough time to wye and yard their train before train 215 came in at just before 4:30 pm with 488 leading 9 cars.

9/21/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4980
463 comes out first so looks like a double headed train 216 today with 488 getting ready to be the helper. The 10 car train 216 leaves slightly after 10 am. Also on this Thursday we have NACOG running a narrow gauge speeder event and they are unloading their cars as well as Goose 5 in town for extended runs. 489 brings a 10 car train 215 into Chama at close to 4:15 pm. Just after 215 gets into Chama, the Goose heads out for the crew check ride before the runs.

9/22/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4984
The day begins with the departure of the NACOG speeders to Osier and back. 487 gets the call for today’s train 216. Also this morning the Goose 5 will be leaving for Antonito ahead of 216. The 216 on this day is 8 cars long which is the limit for a K36. 463 brings an 8 car train 215 into Chama just after 4pm local time.

9/23/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4986
Today the speeders depart for the trip over the entire line to Antonito. 488 has the call for today’s train 216 which is going to be 10 cars so double header with 489 serving as helper to Cumbres. 463 headed out of Chama about 30 minutes behind the 216 then returned 45 minutes later. In the afternoon a 10 car train 215 comes in with 487 leading.

9/24/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4989
The 489 is going to take train 216 out of Chama on this morning. After some morning switching, the train is 8 cars long when it leaves town. 463 gets serviced and is attached to a freight in front of the station just past noon. As the train leaves town just past 1 pm we can see that it’s the annual excursion of a local cattle company group. The speeders are back into Chama at 2:40 pm. The afternoon arrival of train 215 was right on time and it had 488 leading 8 cars. Goose 5 comes in at 4:15 pm.

9/25/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4992
The morning begins with 488 coming out to get ready and the Goose will to a morning run up to Cumbres and back. An extra coach is added so train 216 has 8 cars on departure at 10:30 am. On the way out of Chama they had to stop at the tank to fill the tender of 488. Goose 5 is back in Chama at 2:25 pm. It was 4:40 before 489 brings an 8 car train 215 into Chama.

9/26/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=4995
This starts off as a busy day with 463 and 487 both getting ready and the Goose is headed up to Cumbres again. With added coaches, train 216 is going to be 9 cars today with 463 going through and 487 acting as helper to Cumbres. The Goose gets back at 3:30 pm. 488 comes into Chama at 4:25 pm with 9 cars.

9/27/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5001
The Goose is headed to Cumbres again this morning and 489 is getting ready for train 216 which will have 8 cars. We gave the Goose back at 5:20 pm and 463 gets into Chama at 4:20 pm with 8 cars.

9/28/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5005
The day begins with a report of snow on the pass with Cumbres getting up to 4”. 488 has the call to take the 8 car train 216 out. The Goose is out and about again leaving town at 8:40 am. Train 216 is out right at 10 am. 489 comes into Chama at $15 pm with a 9 car train 215.

9/29/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5011
The Goose must have gone through to Antonito yesterday since its not in Chama. 489 gets the morning call for train 216 and will head out at 10:03 am with 8 cars. Shortly after 216 clears Chama, 463 comes out and moves the 315 over to the engine house. Later in the afternoon it is again placed back in its display location by the depot. A 9 car train 215 comes into Chama at 4:15 pm behind 488.

9/30/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5016
Double header with 463 and 487 set up for 216 today. They get the 10 car train moving right at 10 am. Goose 5 comes back into Chama at 3:30 pm after a trip over from Antonito. At 5 pm 489 comes into Chama with a 12 car train 215.

October links:

10/1/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5019
The Goose 5 will make a morning run up to Cumbres Pass and back, the final Engineer/Fireman’s school starts in the afternoon and we have the regular trains to make for a very busy day. Today’s 216 has 9 cars and 487 is the helper and 489 is the road locomotive to Cumbres.

10/2/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5022
The students will do 2 runs up the pass today with 487 being the locomotive to power their train. K36 488 has been called to power an 8 car train 216 east at 10 am. Shortly after train 216 clears, Goose 5 heads to the end of track to be loaded onto it carrier to head home to Delores. The student train comes back for lunch and departs again. The video here is hit and miss due to the north cam freezing. The main event of the day was the arrival back in Chama of 484 which had be in Antonito for several months due to cylinder issues. 489 brings am 8 car train 215 into Chama before the students return with their train.

10/3/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5023
The students head out for Antonito today, again with 487, and they have 3 cabeese on the tail with some Friends riding along. Train 216 will head out with 9 cars and 484 doing its first assignment since repairs serving as helper to 489 up to Cumbres pass. Just prior to 1 pm, 463 has a train in tow and heads out of Chama. This train comes back into Chama ahead of train 215.

10/4/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5025
Another double header today on a 9 car train 216 with 463 leading and 488 as helper to the summit. The student train returns from Antonito ahead of train 215 marking the end to the basic Fireman/Engineer schools for 2017. Their train was 487 and 10 cars. 489 brings a 9 car train 215 into Chama.

10/5/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5027
Today returns to a normal pattern of 216 out in the am and 215 back in the evening. 488 had an 8 car train for the morning and 463 comes back in the evening with 10 cars.

10/6/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5030
The day begins with fog settled into Chama. As the fog begins to lift, we can just see 2 locomotives getting ready for today’s train 216 with 487 first and 489 following. The 10 cars which came in yesterday will now go back out to Antonito. Nice to see some good crowds riding. In the afternoon, train 215 is also 10 cars with 488 leading.

10/7/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5033
Winter weather is setting into Chama with morning temperatures in the 20’s as 463 comes out first for today’s train 216. 488 comes out to be the helper on what looks to be a 13 car train. The cars on the head end may very well be headed to the pass for the evenings Moonlight train which is leaving from there and not Chama. Train 215 comes into Chama over an hour late with 489 leading 9 cars.

10/8/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5036
Today we have the regular trains and the start of the ‘special’ student school for advanced students. Train 216 will again be a double header as the loads for the fall leaf show have been good. The 9 car train will have 289 as road locomotive and 487 as helper to the summit. The students have elected to use 463 as their locomotive for the week. Train 215 arrives back into Chama with 10 cars and 488 leading.

10/9/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5038
Looks like today the students have drawn 487 as they have their freight ready to head out just after 8:30 am. 488 will be powering the 8 car train 216. The advanced students are back at about 3:30 pm with their train. 489 brings a 10 car train 215 into Chama just after 4 PM.


10/10/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5041
As 487 gets ready for the student train we can see frost on the ground and temperature is 21. Train 216 looks to be another double header with 463 road locomotive and 489 as the helper to Cumbres. Just past 8:30 am the students get their train underway with the tops of the black stock cars white with frost. Train 216 will again be 10 cars long with many people here to see the colours. Oops, something has happened, the train has stopped as it rounded the curve north of the yard. For whatever reason, they dropped both the tourist and parlor car then headed out once the passengers were moved. As the helper returned for Cumbres it pushed these cars back into the yard. The students return at 4:30 and train 215 is close behind at 4:45 pm.

10/11/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5043
The advanced school ends today with the students again getting 488 for their train. K36 489 gets the call for train 216 and 484 seems to be ready again, it will serve as the helper to the summit on this 10 car train. Prior to departure, 484 was returned to the house and 487 came out to be helper. Also the last 2 cars on the train were the parlor and tourist left in Chama yesterday headed out to rejoin their train set. The students are back before noon for a lunch break and then back out onto the line they go. Back to Chama just before 4 pm to end their experience. Train 215 with 8 cars and 463 leading comes into Chama at about 4:30 pm.

10/12/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5045
488 gets the call today for train 216 which will have 8 cars on it. In the afternoon 489 brings an 8 car 215 into Chama to end a normal day.

10/13/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5048
The day starts with 463 coming out to power the 10 car train 216 and 487 will be the helper. Shortly after getting to the train 463 is sent back to the house and 489 comes out and will serve as the road locomotive for today and 487 is still the helper. Train 215 comes into Chama with 10 cars and 488 leading.

10/14/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5051
Today the final Sunset Diner train runs to Cumbres after 215 arrives and is turned. Closing day is approaching on the 2017 season. Looks like whatever was wrong with 463 has been corrected since it is out as road locomotive on 216 with looks to have 10 cars. 488 is going to be the helper to the summit. 487 gets the call in the afternoon to get ready to power the diner train. Train 215 comes in just before 4:30 pm which will give the crews a challenge to get it ready to head back out at 5 pm. Not to shabby, they were underway just after 5:15 with 487 and 7 cars.

10/15/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5052
This Sunday of the final week of the season opened with a double header which sees 489 as road locomotive and 484 as helper to the pass with a 9 car train 216. Evening arrival with 463 leading a 9 car train 215 ends the day.

10/16/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5054
The final Monday sees a normal 7 car train 216 with 488 leading. Train 215 comes into Chama with 489 leading 7 cars.

10/17/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5056
489 has the call to take a 7 car train 216 east as the season winds down. In the afternoon 488 comes back into Chama with a 7 car train 215.

10/18/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5058
This final Wednesday begins very early with a locomotive out before dawn getting 2 cars from south yard and heading out of Chama. Train 216 has the normal 7 cars with 487 pulling. In the afternoon 484 comes back into Chama with the 2 coaches it headed out with early in the morning and also 2 ballast hoppers. Train 215 comes in with 7 cars and 489 leading.

10/19/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5061
489 gets the call to take the 7 car train 216 out to Antonito. In the afternoon we see 489 back with the same train set it left with on 216 in the morning which means that the passengers who were going through on each train had to swap at Osier.

10/20/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5065
489 again gets the call to lead a 7 car train 216 east. In the afternoon 487 comes in with a 7 car train 215.

10/21/07 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5069
The final Saturday of the season will see a 10 car train 216 with 463 as road locomotive and 488 as helper to Cumbres. Train 215 is also 10 cars with 489 leading it into Chama.


10/22/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5073
Closing day for the 2017 season is clear and cold as 489 comes out yet again to lead a final 10 car train 216 east with 488 as helper. The last train 215 has 463 coming back with 10 cars so it was a busy last weekend for the railroad.

10/23/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5077
First day after the season closed saw 463 out in the yard doing some switching to get things where they need to be for the winter.

10/24/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5082
463 continues the switching that it started on 10/25 while 487 has been called for work train duty taking ballast out onto the line for track maintenance.

10/25/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5086
487 continues with the ballast train duties.

10/26/17 viewtopic.php?f=79&t=5089
The work of getting the locomotives ready for winter began this day with 463 having its tender removed and placed in south yard. This will continue until only the locomotive which will power the Christmas trains remains with its tender.