Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

I am wondering since 487 stayed in Antonito after the school, that it will be coming back west with the beginning of the year "hospital train".

I was wondering the same thing Sharon. It would make sense since I have been told that 488 is staying in Antonito and they will need the coaches to be returned ready for Saturday, unless the consist will be different at start to conform with the revised schedule.

It depends on when New Mexico allows the C&TS to depart the Chama facility. They now advertized that they only will be running out of Antonito in the foreseeable future.

OK Tom, I see that now on their website. So having 2 locomotives in Antonito makes sense, though one coach set is all that is needed. Wonder if they will put the premium cars from both sets on the train to increase the first class seating to almost normal. Those K36s can easily get 12 cars up the hill to Osier. Sadly that means that the cams in Chama will see nothing at all until September.

I think New Mexico will open by July so the both town schedule will take effect

Tom C

The 4th of July train to Cumbres and back to watch the fireworks is still on the schedule as is the August diner train. So we will see what happens when New Mexico relaxes its restrictions.

487, 488, and 489 are all at Antonito.
I rode on Sunday and it was a 12 car trains with 3 open gons and 4 premium cars.
The train appeared to be at capacity.
The others in my car all appeared to enjoy themselves.
Lunch at Osier was pretty much as it has always been.
Choices were Turkey and BarBQ. Salad would be custom made if you desired it.
Drinks and deserts were served by catering personnel.
After eating everyone boarded the train, it backed around the loop and returned to Antonito.
Pretty day but there was a bit of a breeze all day.

Pete, How many were in your coach?

All coaches are limited to 10 riders - 9 revenue cars 90 total passengers

Do passengers wear masks on the Antonito trains?
Are any covid-19 tests being administered anywhere? On the trains? At the stations?
Good results from testing might encourage governor Grisham to allow Chama back into the train business.

There is a temperature check and taking of answers to about a half dozen questions before you are issued your ticket. If you exceed the temperature threshold you are denied boarding. I do not know if you will be denied boarding if you "miss" any of the other questions.
Masks are required at all times on the train except if you are eating or drinking something.

Pete Dahlberg wrote:There is a temperature check and taking of answers to about a half dozen questions before you are issued your ticket. If you exceed the temperature threshold you are denied boarding. I do not know if you will be denied boarding if you "miss" any of the other questions.
Masks are required at all times on the train except if you are eating or drinking something.

This seems adequate while the trains are moving, kudos to the RR.
Could the deal breaker for Grisham be the lunch stops when two groups of passengers mingle in the same room?
Could the lunch stops be staggered? CO and NM both seem to be handling virus cases better than other states.
Is the RR in contact with her on a regular basis? Fingers crossed......

Currebtly there is just the one group from Antonito. When conditions improve enough to run trains from Chama also, I'm sure Mr Bush and his team will work out the best way to insure the health and safety of patrons and staff.

Rich Murray wrote: When conditions improve enough to run trains from Chama also, I'm sure Mr Bush and his team will work out the best way to insure the health and safety of patrons and staff.

Rich, here's what I do in these situations: I never put 100% of my confidence into Management.
That way I'm only 98% disappointed. Works every time.