2 Locomotives, 35 Cars. A Denver & Rio Grande Western freight breaks the early morning silence of the Colorado Desert just outside Antonito, as she charges westbound toward Chama, New Mexico via Cumbres Pass.
This 2015 Historic Transport Preservation charter included 35 freight cars.....virtually all of the operable freight cars in the fleet at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It was one of the longest photo freights that the railroad has run in a very long time. It was a great success due to the dedication and commitment of two incredible groups of people. The employees of the C&TS pretty much put up an all-hands-on-deck effort in order to provide 2 complete crews for this 2-engine train, as well as crews for two regular passenger trains, one of which was double-headed. They also provided a pilot for visiting RGS Motor #5. The impressive consist on this trip was made possible through the efforts of the volunteers of the Friends of the C&TS. The Friends restore and maintain the fleet of freight cars solely for charters like this one and their work was most appreciated by the charter patrons. In 3 long days of operation, with equipment averaging close to 100 years old, we had one bad air hose and one hot-box, both of which were dealt with in short order. Both the C&TS and the Friends deserve all of the credit in the world for the work they do to preserve the heritage of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Narrow Gauge system.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
