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Narrow Gauge Autumn Splendor
Rio Grande Freight on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic
Page 4 of 4
©1999 Steve Barry steve@daylightimages.com
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Highlighting Toltec Gorge is Rock Tunnel, where the tracks pop out onto a ledge several hundred feet above the canyon floor. Two runbys were held at this scenic spot.
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Even more spectacular than the runby at Cascade Trestle the day before was this day's westbound runby. Once again, winds precluded using smoke for the runby, but why would you want to block all that beautiful Aspen with smoke?
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The air gets thinner as the tracks approach Cumbres Pass, which tops out at 10,013 feet above sea level. The train approaches Tanglefoot Curve on the final climb to Cumbres.
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For the descent down the grade to Chama, a Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad brakeman sets the retainers. Watching the brakemen walk the tops of the freight cars provided one more piece of authenticity to the trip.
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With the steepest part of the grade behind the train, there is still time for one final runby at Lobato Trestle. So ends two days of reviving the narrow gauge spirit, complete with 38 photo runbys. Thanks to Chris Skow and Trains Unlimited, Tours, for a great two days.
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