5/27/2023 OPENING DAY 2023!!!

[Jack Spencer]

488 is the engine that will kick off the action for this season with a run to Cumbres and back.

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A harsh shadow is cast around 488 as she takes on water - the smoke is the only way you can tell she's down there.

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488 now backs down to the coal dock and look how grimy the boiler jacket is!

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Now coal stop this morning as 488 is already in position for the road crew to take over.

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488 has now brought out a caboose and I believe, a gondola out of the south yard.

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Having detached the gon, 488 then moved the caboose to the yard track adjacent to the coaches. Afterwards, she removed the old concessions coach from the front of the train and attached it to the gon and left it there, perhaps to prepare for another run?

488 then brought the consist for today's run out and connected them with the concessions coach and caboose, making a nice little setup for the first run.

[Sharon Evans]

Interesting to note that these are all older coaches and the regular set seems to be still in Antonito. The season usually begins with the correct set at each end, so the New Mexico set will be here for the opening of full, across the line service next weekend.

[Jack Spencer]

The first passenger train of 2023 departs Chama! There was a brief water stop as well due to having spent at least a couple of hours stationary.

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[Jack Spencer]

488, with flags flying proudly, brings the train back from Cumbres. Bring on tomorrow's action now please!

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[Sharon Evans]

Right now, 5/28/23, 0944 MDT, looks like nothing is running today.

[Jack Spencer]

Right now, 5/28/23, 0944 MDT, looks like nothing is running today.

There is another Cumbres outing today according to the C&TS website! I think they started earlier yesterday so they could do the switching and have the entire consist (engine & coaches) for the memorial celebrations.