Photographers and videographers boarded a special Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad photographer’s excursion train in Antonito, Colo., on Aug. 3. The train with 56 participants made the 64-mile trip to Chama, N.M., in a vintage consist led by Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 No. 315. The consist was made up of D&RG boxcars Nos. 3244 and 3537, D&RGW gondola No. 1357, D&RG passenger car No. 292, and D&RGW caboose No. 05635. This train is typical of what was run on this railroad when it operated daily service in the 1870s and 1880s.
The train departed Antonito at 8:30 a.m. The trip to Chama normally takes about 6.5 hours, but the photo train made six stops at scenic locations to allow the photographers to disembark and photograph the train as it made run-bys through these areas. The group stopped at Osier, Colo., to enjoy a complimentary turkey dinner, a feature on all regular C&TS trains. The train arrived in Chama at 6 p.m. Several patrons said that the $250 fare was an incredible value for the photography opportunities, free food, and the railroad’s great care.
The locomotive owner, the Durango Historical Society completed No. 315’s restoration in 2007. “The 315 is a guest locomotive on the property,” says Stathi Pappas, C&TS director of special projects. “We have an agreement in place until 2022 with [the Durango Historical Society] to make sure their locomotive is taken care of and has lots of opportunities to run. Those older C-class locomotives are graceful little jackrabbits, running through the Rocky Mountains, doing absolutely incredible things.”
Although C&TS’s regular season ends Oct. 20, 2019, Pappas says, “This will be the last revenue run for 315 this season.”
What is missing in this article is the fact that the charter was organized and sponsored by the Durango Railroad Historical Society and Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. Many members of both organizations had a hand in its success. It was an enjoyable day and fun trip.
I was just curious..how much greater is the tractive effort with the Mikado’s then the # 315? I guess another way to ask that question, is how many cars can each locomotive over the same route?
I was on an excursion behind the 488 and was privileged to see the 315 pull into Osier. Very cool!
Give me a break! 1870s—-?- they had 2-4-0 engine and 4-wheel cars that far back That a good 1920 train. What is the point of this kind of bragging?
An axe. Now that takes me back ….
The above comments are generic in nature and do not form the basis for an attorney/client relationship. They do not constitute legal advice. I am not your attorney. Find your own damn fossil.
Fun video, looks like the 315 had a nice head of steam and was moving at a nice clip.