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Wasn't here when the loco got ready but, with a plow, its either 487 or 488 with the standard 8 car train 216 pulled forward and ready to load. Boy, was I wrong on this! 489 turned at Osier and came back yesterday on 215 so it was on 216 today. Makes me wonder if they are keeping the coal burners on the east end for now.

Sharon Evans wrote:Wasn't here when the loco got ready but, with a plow, its either 487 or 488 with the standard 8 car train 216 pulled forward and ready to load. Boy, was I wrong on this! 489 turned at Osier and came back yesterday on 215 so it was on 216 today. Makes me wonder if they are keeping the coal burners on the east end for now.

It may be for the same reason as 6 years ago and an operation you personally encountered, Sharon. At the moment only two K-36s (484 and 489) are available for service, so keeping 463 (which is STILL running as 455) on the Antonito end enables two K-36s to be in Chama in case one fails, so they will still have a backup loco and not have to cancel the train.

Good memory Jack. I do remember that operation and how interesting it was to be on 215 holding short of the balloon track for 463 to cut off and back into it as the K36 of that day backed down onto our train.

we still have 488