Both 8 car trains were full yesterday, even car H and the overflow seating in the refreshment car. So many at Osier that they had 2 turkey lines, and the salad bar in the basement. I loved seeing so many people finding out the C&TSRR dream was true. Chama means heaven on earth in the Franknfans language. Thank you Rick for pulling an all nighter to post Cinder Bear.
Thanks Sharon and Frank for the info on the fire suppressor on the back of the parlor cars. I couldn't figure out what it might be. Now it makes all the sense in the world.
Train 216 leaves on schedule with Locomotive 463 Road Engine and 488 Helper. The train is made up of 10 cars including 1 open air gondola.
Technical Difficulties: Changed screen recorders to overcome software buffering problem. The new recorder seems to handle the video process without a hitch. However, the audio failed to record. Notice appeared during capturing the departure of Train #216 that it could not record audio - use built-in system. I apologize. . Ten minutes later we have the sounds of the south rail yard at Chama. .
This has been a uncommonly active morning with the hostlers bringing together two locomotives and ten cars to form the train headed toward Antonito. This next videos are a bit long, but the sound is good and the video is active. .
. A lot of activity as Locomotive #88 finishes taking on coal and is then positioned to allow Locomotive #463 add 2 more cars to the string. Once that is completed, Locomotive # 488 couples with Locomotive #463 to form double header. . .
. Double header day. Locomotive #488 waits for Locomotive #463 to add 2 cars and complete Train #216 bound for Antonito. Locomotive #488 will be the helper and Locomotive #463 will be the road engine. .
Sorry folks, but the first 3 cars were idlers. Just hitching a ride to Antonito .. The 10 cars and the disconnect at Lobato made for exciting photo opportunities. We only had about a hundred each way. Any day I wake up to the steam whistle in Chama is a good day.
This afternoon at 4:07 P.M. MDT 115 Viewers watched Locomotive #487 bring San Juan Train #215 into the north train yard of the Chama Depot. There were 7 cars including 1 each open air gondola making up the train. The mystery rider (Frank) was hanging out of the next to the last window of car number 4 giving us a hearty wave. Yes, we heartily waved back.
