7-10-15 Will there be a DH today?

[Larry Gibson]

A early peek shows that a DH is pretty likely today. Extra coaches on the main and hot locos outside. Prime time summer traffic must be happening this week.Near moment when nighttime to day mode switch happens:

[Rich Murray]

It looks like '63 is going to be the road engine again with '84 as the helper.
This could be being done as a way to lessen the usage on '88. (is she still even hot?)

[Edwin Frey]

...Which begs the question, how long 'til we see #487? Also, while wondering about that, I've not seen the bucket loader move a wheel so far this season. Wondering if it has some major problem.

[Rich Murray]

Wondering if it has some major problem.

Only my uneducated guess; work was halted, while the state of New Mexico sorted out its legislative games, due to lack of funds.
Now that the funding has been worked out to some extent work should resume.

[Sharon Evans]

It looks like '63 is going to be the road engine again with '84 as the helper.
This could be being done as a way to lessen the usage on '88. (is she still even hot?)

Rich, the 488 was the road engine yesterday on 216 and will be coming back on 215 today. The 489 is in the engine house at this moment, I saw its headlight behind the 463 yesterday. Also if they leave the 2 extra coaches on for tomorrows 215, then having 463 pull a 9 car train back would be a thrill for the riders since it would be working hard up the east slope.

[Rich Murray]

Thank you for filling in the blanks for me Sharon

[Sharon Evans]

We were treated to 484 and 463 leading a 9 car 216 today.

[Larry Gibson]

484 and 463 lead a 9 car 216 east.

[Jeff Schrimmer]

Today's double-header 216 has arrived at Cumbres. (note: the CDOT cam clock is on Standard Time)

Jeff

[Sharon Evans]

The 484 is doing some yard work right now in south yard and the 489 is sitting outside the engine house simmering. Looks like it picked up another caboose from the swamp.

[Sharon Evans]

Back from the swamp with this nicely painted caboose. Both of them are now on the siding by the round house.

[Sharon Evans]

With the arrival of 488 on 215, for the second time this week, we have all 3 operational K-36's sitting in Chama and little sister 463 is over in Antonito.

[Larry Gibson]

488 brings the 215 in around 4:10 local time.

[Jeff Schrimmer]

Not for nothing: having that much confidence in the K-27 says a lot. You have to admire the people who first designed and built her, and you really have to admire the people who have restored, maintained, and run her with love and respect. I am in awe. This is very cool.

Jeff

[Sharon Evans]

Agree Jeff, these older, smaller engines have the stuff. If you remember the K-28 over on the D&SNG brought a double train down the grade from Silverton to Durango several weeks ago, that would be around 16 cars or so.

[Larry Sullivan]

Indeed another doubleheader day -- good to see things getting busier!
07-10-15 Train 216 Departure, South and North cams in one video today.


07-10-15 #484 Returns light after helping #463 up the hill.


07-10-15 Train 215 Return

[Larry Sullivan]

In an interesting non-train movement today, the old speeder that was used for fire patrol was picked up by fork lift and taken to the parking lot - assuming put on a trailer and taken perhaps to a shop for repairs? Last time they used that one it seemed to be running rough as I remember.

[Larry Sullivan]

Finally for the day after #484 returned, there was quite a bit of switching in the yard. End game seemed to be digging out several of the caboose and repositioning. Perhaps a special train coming up.
Also a reminder that tomorrow should be two trains - the normal daily 216/215 as well as the evening sunset train.

07/10/15 Yard Switching

[Larry Gibson]

As usual a great wrap up of today's activities Larry. Thank you for your efforts and dedication to edit the highlights for us:)

[Tom Casper]

Agree Jeff, these older, smaller engines have the stuff. If you remember the K-28 over on the D&SNG brought a double train down the grade from Silverton to Durango several weeks ago, that would be around 16 cars or so.

Sharon, that was 22 cars and she worked hard pulling them into Rockwood. Last week they had to do it again when 486 broke its piston rings in or near Silverton. I think 482 pulled all the cars back this time.

Tom C.