Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

The last Engineer/Fireman school starts today. It is likely that 484 will be used for the students as 488 is helper today to 463. Not sure what is going on at the moment, but 463 has been at the pit for nearly half an hour now. They usually take 10-15 minutes.

Finally, here are the preparations:

488 has gone to the south side of the house and 484 is at the tank, so is 484 substituting for 488?

Surely looks like it.
I believe this is the first time this season where an engine has substituted for another.
She was prepared extremely fast.

Thought I saw one of the first two locos head back into the west side of the yard and maybe sneak into the engine house through the back door.

So... 315 on the school train?

I was watching the north cam this morning waiting for the late departure when I noticed a man doing something curious at the main track just below the tipple. He was bending down to the track and seemed to be touching it with his hands several times. He left shortly and my attention shifted to the replacement activities. After the eastbound finally departed the man in red returned to the base of the tipple, this time with wife and kids. They were looking down at the track where the man had been earlier, searching for something. I'm not sure whether they found it but it made me grin when I guessed what it was all about. Can you guess?

My guess would be a flattened penny. I'd have to admit to having done that on street car tracks in New Orleans growing up.

Ding ding ding! Squashing pennies is correct! Isn't that a federal offense? I'm guilty as well: 1960, Winthrop, Arkansas. You can visit the crime scene on google earth. The freighters still pass through town. I still have the evidence but the penalty has expired.

Guys, sorry that I haven't posted anything on the departure form this morning - I was experiencing computer problems whereby I couldn't access the Forum. Hopefully I will post the shots in the morning, as well as 215s arrival.

Finally, here is the departure of a double-headed 9 car Train 216 behind 484 and 463. The amount of time getting 484 ready to stand in for 488, and the fact that the train left only seventeen minutes down, just shows the immense contribution given to operate this spectacular railroad.

And here is the arrival of a 9 car Train 215 behind 489. 484, with the students, is just visible behind the tank. By the way, is that Roger's Jeep in front of the tank? That license plate just shouts 'WACKY' to me.