A random question

[Jack Spencer]

I have always wondered: why, when the helper engine returns to Chama after helping Train 216 to Cumbres, do they always go through the house to the other side and stay there for around half an hour or more? I have seen all engines (except 463) do that this season.

[Rich Murray]

Only guessing, visiting the wash rack

[Jack Spencer]

Only guessing, visiting the wash rack

I thought so as well, Rich. But they have been so disgustingly filthy this year that it might be for a different reason.

[Rich Murray]

Only guessing, visiting the wash rack

I thought so as well, Rich. But they have been so disgustingly filthy this year that it might be for a different reason.

LOL Another way of looking at is; "They've looked so magnificently authentic this year"

[Sharon Evans]

The returning locomotives go to the south side of the house for lube of the moving parts. When the mics worked you could hear the sound of the alamite gun working as it shot lube into the bearings and such. Every returning locomotive gets this treatment.

[Rich Murray]

Thank you Sharon!

[Jack Spencer]

Only guessing, visiting the wash rack

I thought so as well, Rich. But they have been so disgustingly filthy this year that it might be for a different reason.

LOL Another way of looking at is; "They've looked so magnificently authentic this year"

For the 2020 season, being so special, they should keep all the engines clean with gloss paint (I know 315 will be!) and remove the plow from 488 and put it on 484. Put simply, any engine should have the plow but 488! 489 didn't look too good with it either. 487 has worn the plow since the 50s (except in 1987) and 484 rarely ever wears it. I wish they could keep them clean all the time. But I doubt that would ever happen.