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Narrow Gauge Autumn Splendor
Rio Grande Freight on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic
Page 1 of 4
©1999 Steve Barry steve@daylightimages.com
This section is divided into four pages to provide quick loading
This section was set up on December 7, 1999.
| On September 27-28, 1999, a photo freight was operated over the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic by Trains Unlimited, Tours. The locomotive, C&TS 2-8-2 497, and all the cars were lettered for the Denver & Rio Grande Western. The trip ran from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado, the first day and returned on the second. Over the course of two days, 38 photo runbys were held. |
While it is not our custom to link to commercial sites from this one, the photos in this section would not have been possible if were not for Chris Skow and Trains Unlimited, Tours, organizing the event. If you would like to take part in Trains Unlimited's tours in the future, you can reach them by clicking on the logo below.
A few days before the charter, on September 24, 1999, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic 2-8-2 487 was resting in the Chama yard.
TT3101
That same evening, Mikado 488 was tucked away inside the Chama shop.
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Heading out of Chama during the charter, Denver & Rio Grande Western 497 was thundering towards the Cresco water tank on its way up the steep grade to Cumbres Summit.
TT3103
A photo runby was held in the Aspens at Cascade Trestle. Winds blowing toward the photo line precluded making smoke during the runby.
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An open gondola allowed passengers to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain weather, as well as get photos of the freight running through the Aspens. Most passengers rode in boxcars converted to passenger coaches.
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Click here for Narrow Gauge Autumn Splendor page 2
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