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Morning preparations:

Morning preparations continued and advanced school activity: I don't say departure since all they may do this morning is putz around in the yard. Considering that the students have not moved and it is almost time for the locomotive that will go on 216 to begin its prep, I would say that they are going to begin after this. Remember that with the advanced class the students do everything including prepping their locomotive.

Departure of train 216: 489 and 8 cars It seems that the railroad has made a determination to keep both train sets at 8 cars for now.

Advanced Student train continued: There is some nice switching which I am complying a video to present.

Departure of the Advanced Student train: 463 and 8 cars and a caboose

Arrival of train 215: 487 and 7 cars:








After wyeing the train the crew went into south yard.

Arrival of the Advanced Student train:

Sharon Evans wrote:Morning preparations continued and advanced school activity: I don't say departure since all they may do this morning is putz around in the yard. Considering that the students have not moved and it is almost time for the locomotive that will go on 216 to begin its prep, I would say that they are going to begin after this. Remember that with the advanced class the students do everything including prepping their locomotive.

9-18-17 Finished with cleaning and watering, the 463 backs toward the coal dock lead with both a student and mentor on the tender.jpg

9-18-17 The 489 has coupled onto today's 216 while the 463 pulls into the coal lead.jpg

9-18-17 The 463 now gets its bunker filled while the students stand at a safe distance.jpg

9-18-17 The 463 backs into south yard while 489 waits to pull its train forward.jpg

9-18-17 The 463 continues into south yard and 489 has pulled the train into loading position.jpg

Advanced school is not as scripted as the regular Fireman/Engineer school. After prepping the engine students will spend time picking the cars for their train out of the strings in the South yard. Occasionally there will be a minor mechanical issue on one of the cars which will need fixing. Also since the brakeman and engineer are communicating via hand signals there will be some miscues. The capper is that connecting the gladhands (air brakes) so there is not an air leak is not as easy as it looks.

After getting their train made up, they will head up to Cumbres and will probably set out a car at the Lobato siding. At Cumbres, they will probably set out another car and pick up a car or two that were set out earlier. then they will turn the train and return to Chama probably picking up the cars setout at Lobato. Back at Chama they will turn the train, perhaps do some switching after dropping the train and then do the end of run cleanout.

The second and third days will be more of the same, perhaps with a run over to Antonito all the while staying out the way of 215 and 216. These exercises are a good way for the railroad to transfer cars from Chama to Antonito or vice versa. It really gives you a healthy dose of respect for what the regular crews do on a daily basis.