Saturday, June 18, 2016

the best narrow gauge steam experience in North America

the yard in Chama; all the locos are 2-8-2 type and ex-D&RGW

this pic follows on from the above, by waiting about 3 minutes and turning position about 120 degrees -- the kind of convoluted trajectory that you experience on this line!
Going west to east towards the pass the gradient is steep, resulting in impressive engine exhaust sounds.

In our opinion, but it would be hard to argue.

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad straddles New Mexico and Colorado and runs between Chama and Antonito, It is 3ft gauge, crosses over the 10,015 ft (3,053 m) Cumbres Pass and through the Toltec Gorge for a total distance of 64 miles (103 km).  It is all steam powered and was bought jointly the the two states in 1970 from the Denver &Rio Grande Western.

It is considered to be very authentic of the original D&RGW narrow gauge. 

No comments: