Archive of Chama Webcams 2016 Season

[Larry Sullivan]

As with the prior three seasons, this will be an archive of the 2016 season. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 archives have been moved here . viewforum.php?f=14 (2015 will be moved shortly).

For those that miss the daily yard happenings live, and those that just need a steam fix, and to document the happenings of the yard as seen through the eyes of our yard cams, this archive will be maintained throughout the year, with updates on a regular basis. Rather than have to hunt through all the threads, this will be a one stop shop to come to and find what you are looking for. I try to update at least a couple times a month.

Please remember that these webcams cost money both in equipment, and monthly costs to keep them running. A donation from time to time using the tip jar on the main page is very appreciated, or if not already a member, please consider joining the Friends. That is the best way to say thank you for these cameras and viewing access to the daily viewing of this historic railroad.

If you are going out to ride the railroad, let me know in advance and wave to the cams as you pass -- I'll make sure you get video of that moment!

This archive may not have everything that is posted to the daily threads, but the majority of moves and yard activity that I feel are interesting and important will be here. If at anytime you feel something is missing, please feel free to send me a PM.

(Videos to be posted soon).

[Larry Sullivan]

Hold spot for earlier video

[Larry Sullivan]

Way behind on getting this thread up to date, I hope to do so the next couple days -- it's been a hugely busy year for me so far!

04/25/16
#484 moved from left shop track to in front of roundhouse, temporarily.


#463 (I think?) is brought from shop with nicely painted tender, #484 put into shop in it's place

[Larry Sullivan]

05/10/16
Here we see them rail the trailer with the water tank for fire suppression, tank is pushed beside the roundhouse. Then the speeder is railed. Later (not shown) they head East to work unknown - perhaps just checking the line.



Next is the video of the locomotive moves. #15 moves into shop to pull out a still hot#484, and then moves #463 inside.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/16/16
Here's a video compilation of the day -- total run time about 15 minutes. Starts with #15 moving #463 inside the shop -- previously (not on video) #15 had pushed #484 out of the shop on the South side. Other work shown is a pickup truck brings in a fire patrol water tank on a trailer, which is put on the rails - then the speeder that has been sitting off rails all winter is put on and attached. Interestingly this tank is not hooked directly to the speeder, but several feet behind connected with maybe 10? feet of steel. After dealing with some wet/snow/hail the water tank that has been next to the roundhouse is moved onto the trailer for removal. The "new" speeder and tank moved off to the wye, after which time I lost the cams so not sure where they are currently located.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/17/16
Here's the video of #463 moves today.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/18/16
#487 emerges from the shop, visits the ash pit, gets a drink at the water tank and heads over to the coaling dock.


While taking on several scoops of coal from the bucket loader, the workers fixed the sticky bell, and did some work around the running gear. Interesting to watch, so I left it intact. After completing the work, #487 headed East out of the yard.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/19/16
Video starts after 487 got 484 from the back and was headed out the front of the shop. I was out all morning, but after reviewing recordings looks like this is the only activity of the day so far.



Here's the first one - 487 pulls a tender-less 489 from the shop, then while sitting at the ash pit the tender is brought to the locomotive and attached.


Here's the 2nd video - this one runs about 17 minutes. 487 pushes 489 back and gets 484, 484 is brought to in front of the roundhouse. 487 then brings 489 inside the East bay of the shop. I think earlier 463 must have been pushed in behind the shop. 484 is then moved to out in front of the East bay, and 487 goes over to the West bay of the shop. Lots of good sound, and some good smoke in here as 487 works.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/24/16
Quite a bit of editing I have to do for a day's highlight package -- and that is coming, but for now as a teaser - the first move of the passenger coaches that have been stored all winter. #484 working a bit hard as they slowly move the string of cars.



Here's today's video reviews -

#487 and #484 both active this morning. #484 does some yard switching, #487 heads East out of the yard after taking on a load of coal.


#484 after spotting coaches on the main for Saturday, continues some switching of the storage cars, and Friends kitchen car onto the depot track.


After #487 returned, #489 was pulled from the East bay of the shop and put into the West bay. Not on video, but #484 was doing some additional switching in the South yard before ending her day.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/25/16
Here's today's video, primarily just the locomotive move this afternoon. Earlier activity today was about an hours worth of switching 484 did in the South yard, but they really didn't come into camera range except distant on the tipple cams. This video starts out with 484 getting a scoop of coal from the loader in front of the shop, then 487 moves 489 to the coal dock.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/26/16
Video of 463's activity from this morning.



(Ok I'm cheating and sneaking a couple still shots in here - haven't had any other good lightning stills so far)

Had to take my eyes off the tipple cams for a few, and see if I could capture any lightning shots on the depot cam. Here's the results.

bandicam 2016-05-26 15-32-45-476.jpg (75.03 KiB) Viewed 214309 times

bandicam 2016-05-26 15-35-26-284.jpg (75.48 KiB) Viewed 214309 times

Here's a 6 minute or so clip of activity on the depot cam, they are loading supplies onto the concession car, loader brings in a tie for use as a car stop, some train sounds, some lightning -- lots of activity going on as preparations continue for Saturday.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/27/16
Here's 489's movements this morning.

[Larry Sullivan]

OPENING DAY 2016 05/28/16

Finally we'll have some video of the days activities. The 216 departure videos have a lot of skips and hiccups, I think we nearly overloaded the ISP with all the viewers, but I figured I put them up anyway -- sounds are good!!!!

Some of the morning getting ready, nice shot of 487 and 484 together while waiting for 487 to get coal. 484 gives both locos a bit of a bath too.


216 Departure South Cam


216 Departure North Cam


215 Arrives Chama

[Larry Sullivan]

05/29/16
Here's today's video - first is 216 departure this morning, 2nd is 215 returning. Only other activity of the day was visits to the ash pit and for water for 463 and 489.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/30/16 - Memorial Day
A small compilation today - #489 takes out train 216, and #487 brings back train 215 in the afternoon. Only other activity for the day (not on video) was #484 and #463 trips to the ash pit and for a drink.



This one is for Doug, driving the monster fork lift - arriving for work, and then taking out what looks like a wheel set. Several trips were made through the day. Friends also seen working on the kitchen car again this week, and I'm sure other projects out of sight of the cams.

[Larry Sullivan]

05/31/16

I only have the morning video today - still having issues where I lose cams, not sure if it's the flash player or what, will work on it. For now, here's today's 216 with 487 in the lead.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/01/16
Here's today's videos -

Starting with the morning preparations for #463, with #484 visiting the ash pit for some momentary wonder of a double-header.



A six car train 216 departs behind #463



#487 leads train 215 in for the afternoon arrival, with a 7 car train.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/02/16
Here's 216's departure with #484 in the lead.



215 returns behind #463 with a 6 car train. After turning at the wye, 463 picked up an additional coach to add for tomorrow's train.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/03/16
Some video of the day. I don't have 215 arrival, had an internet issue this afternoon.

#216 departs with #489 in the lead. Cams were freezing again at departure time today.



#487 goes to the ash pit, then the water tower with #463 in tow, though 463 appears hot still.



NARCOA speeders setup to be on the C&TS this weekend, departing for Cumbres after #215 arrives.



The NARCOA speeder group has returned from Cumbres, looks like a beautiful evening for the run.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/04/16
Today's video

Video starts with #484 taking on coal, while the NARCOA speeder group departs, then train 216 departure both South then North cam views.



#489 leads the afternoon train 215 arriving in Chama

[Larry Sullivan]

06/05/16
First a compilation of the morning activity with #487 preparing for 216, #463 comes out to the ash pit, and #487 makes an extra trip to the water tank - likely to wash the coal down.


Here is 216 departure - both South and North cam views.



The NARCOA speeders return from their trip to Antonito, arriving just before 3pm they will be off the line by the time 215 arrives.



Finally train 215 returns

[Larry Sullivan]

06/06/16
Here is 216's departure this morning, 2nd video will be 215's arrival. May be more later as 489 is in the South yard - perhaps doing some switching work.





Here's a video of the switching ---

[Larry Sullivan]

06/07/16
With #463 as the road locomotive, and #484 as the helper we have a surprise double-header for a Tuesday. Additional coach and open gon are deadheaded to Antonito in preparation for the geology train, which is upcoming in a couple weeks.



#489 brings in train 215 this afternoon.



Some of the mornings activity before departure.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/08/16
Videos for today -

#484 is the star of the show today, leading both 216 and 215. Unknown reason for the turn around at Osier. Thanks Pete for your input, you may be right.
(A few days later we found that 463 was operating out of Antonito, and they were daily doing a switch of locomotives at Osier, more info can be found on the daily threads)

[Larry Sullivan]

06/09/16
Here's today's videos --

#216 departs with #484 leading again.



#215 comes in about an hour late, #484 brings back the afternoon train as well.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/10/16
This morning #484 takes out train 216 - in the afternoon #484 brings in train 215, so another loco swap at Osier. Note that the 215 video is only the North cam, and has no actual sound on it - South cam froze and I had left the desk for a few minutes and didn't note it, that's where I take my sound from.





Here are a couple random videos of the switching, by no means all of it. Interesting of note they did not use the whistle anytime during the switching, only the bell -- unusual.




Here's the video of the spreader move. Looks like they may be done for the day now.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/11/16
Here's 216 and 215 video. Will have to see if any more switching is done today.





Here's the move of the tank cars.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/12/16
Thought I'd do a bit of old film look on 216 today! More video perhaps if events warrant this evening.





Several Mule Deer quickly tour the yard this evening.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/13/16
First departure of #487 with the Engineer/Fireman school train



Train 216 departs with #489 in charge.



The first school train returns, about an hour later after lunch they head out for the 2nd run to Cumbres. Work is being done on 483 at the same time.



Here's a bit of video real time of the slow movement of 483. Obviously not moving as easily as they would like, so we'll see what happens tomorrow. Anyone that's on the ground there that can fill us in, details would be appreciated!! Once they are fully done with moving, I'll put together a more complete video of all the work.

[Larry Sullivan]

06/14/16
Here's today's videos. Starting with the school train departure, 484 comes to ash pit just before they depart. Apologies for the little blocked area in the North cam, my AV program likes to pop-up ads, so I covered it over - not giving them free ad space!! 2nd video is 216 departure, 3rd is 215 arrival. Will keep an eye for any after arrival work being done.









483 Now moved forward again -- quick sped up video of the move.

Earlier a worker came to the ash pit, grabbed the hose and equipment for cleaning at the ash pit, and it seems they must have cleaned out 463 ashes some during this video -- can they do that over there?

[Larry Sullivan]

06/15/16
Today's videos - #216 from this morning, then the school train arrival this afternoon, and a partial of 215 before another cam freezeup.

[Jason Rose]

Way behind on getting this thread up to date, I hope to do so the next couple days -- it's been a hugely busy year for me so far!

Don't sweat it, Larry. This is a massive undertaking and we're grateful you're willing to invest so much of your time and energy.

THANK YOU!

[Larry Sullivan]

06-17-16



Here's today's 216 and 215





The lumber delivery.

[Larry Sullivan]

06-18-16

Here's today's video -

[Larry Sullivan]

Today's video - first is 216 heading out this morning. Second video is 215 return, and the switching off the geology train back into the South yard.

[Larry Sullivan]

Start with train 216 leaving right on time with #484 leading up the hill. Lots of Friends waving as the train passes.



This one I found interesting to watch. The long lumber which has been sitting on the ground all winter, near the bunk house, along with what was newly brought in a few days ago gets moved to the swamp by the big fork lift, back hoe machine -- the obstacles to overcome, and bumps to go over, without losing the load has to be a bit of a nerve wracking move. Very nicely done by whoever is operating that machine!



I took a random hour of time and sped up the video to a little over a minute -- just to illustrate how much work is happening this week, people all over doing their various projects. I look forward to the pictures hopefully to be posted of the close-up work.

[Larry Sullivan]

06-21-16

[Larry Sullivan]

06/22/16

[Larry Sullivan]

06-23-16

Here's video of the morning switching. Unedited, runs about 18 minutes or so. Also seen are the Friends that start working on weeding the sand box, looks like they did a heck of a good job when finished!



Here's another short video of the morning yard activity, primarily showing the blades being opened on the Jordan Spreader - but also in the foreground the weeding of the sand box kicks into high gear, 489 is working by the depot, 487 is smoking away heavily at the shop as she's stocked up for her days journey, and lots of Friends out working on the various projects.



With some sounds from 463 as she headed back to the shop from getting water, we see 3 deer enter the yard, likely coming from the swamp, cautiously crossing the yard alert to all the activity around. After they go out of camera shot, about 20 seconds later with someone walking down to the North yard the deer decide it's safer over in the swamp and head back.



Train 216 departs with 487 in the lead.

[Larry Sullivan]

06-24-16

Here's 216 Departure this morning -




215 Arrival with 487 leading

[Larry Sullivan]

06-25-16

Looks like I missed posting video for this day, I have the footage will create and add later.

[Larry Sullivan]

A quiet day in the yard today. Other than our two trains, the only real activity was 484 coming to the ash pit for a cleaning, and then going for a drink.

Here's the 216 departure this morning.



215 returns with 487 in the lead, swapping locomotives at Osier again. See if you can spot the deer quietly grazing as 487 blows the whistle and passes, totally unconcerned with the big noisy locomotive.

[Larry Sullivan]

06-27-16

Starting with 216 Departure



Some work was done on the coal dock today - here's some of it. Loader picked up some lumber (I thought a tie, but looked longer than a tie), headed for the coal dock and the repairs were done using the loader as a pile driver. Note the bee/wasp that tried to get a closeup selfie about 1:40 into video.



215 returns, only North cam on this one - South cam dropped out on me for a couple minutes at the wrong time.



Couple more little videos of the yard activity. I know it's most likely just another day at the office for the operator of that fork lift/backhoe machine, but somehow just fascinates me seeing how easily they maneuver around with those 32 foot long boards. Video is sped up a bit to shorten the time, they don't quite move this fast!



Interesting little sequence to show just how much traffic is moving around that yard at times. 484 all coaled and ready, waits at the coal dock for the loader to bring something over to the guys working on the spreader. Then as he starts backing, a couple people carry a large piece of plywood? out of the wood shop, once 484 starts to move the loader goes back across the tracks, 484 makes it past and another large piece of plywood crosses the tracks. Really have to be aware of your surroundings and what's happening that's for sure!

[Larry Sullivan]

06/28/16

[Larry Sullivan]

06-29-16

216 Departs with #484 once again in the lead.



The small spreader got a paint job today of what I think is primer. Here's a sped up version of the work - about an hour long, compressed to an 11 minute video.



215 Returns, and the RPO re-positioned at its spot by the depot.

[Larry Sullivan]

06-30-16

Video from today --

#487 is the locomotive for the day, comes to the ash pit then gets water from the West side of the tank, spilling quite a bit onto the ground. The small spreader also gets it's coat of red paint today.



Train 216 Departure



Train 215 Arrival, with 487 once again making the round trip to Osier.



Interesting sequence after 215 train gets turned. 487 backs through the South yard and comes back up on the depot track. They hook onto the RPO as if to move again, however there seems to be some issue with the storage car. Either they coupled into it by mistake causing a problem, or perhaps they had some kind of other issue, but they were looking underneath the car for quite a while. An attempt to pull forward at one point leads to someone yelling stop. Net result was only moved back and forth a few feet. Have to wonder what, if any, the issue is.

[Larry Sullivan]

07/01/16

Here's 216 for today, I'll have the rest of the day ready and posted soon.



Early morning mule deer visit, 484 pushes 489 into shop with some nice smoke, and then 484 heads to the ash pit - very nice smoke/steam on this one. Seemed a bit cranky this morning to get going.



Train 215 returns, with another good show of smoke/steam. This weather really makes for good steam.

[Larry Sullivan]

07/02/16

489 First to head out for a short check ride this morning.



216 is a double-header today, unusual consist with locomotive, then two gondola, locomotive and then the normal 8 car train. Great smoke in the damp cool morning air.



489 returns to yard light



As Sharon noted above, an interesting push/pull operation.



215 Returns with conditions much drier than earlier in the day.

[Larry Sullivan]

07/03/16
484 (I think) already in action, pushed whatever was behind her back into the shop, now getting sand. Quick video to start the day of some steam, and a deer observing before deciding the swamp is a better place to hide!!



Here's today's 216 video.



Here's 215 arrival, 484 comes in again leading - seems to be going very slowly, slower than normal anyway.

[Larry Sullivan]

07/04/16
Sunrise in Chama -- Happy 4th of July everyone!!!




Compilation of the days train activity is first up.



A few minutes of the Chama fireworks -- this is one show I need to get to one day, truly lasts an hour -- and as you can see at the end, plenty of stuff still going up after the train has unloaded and switching out, I assume, the gondolas is done.