In April, the railroad announced that it would be using the OY rotary in late February or early March 2020 to kick off the the railroad’s 50th anniversary year. The rotary has not been used in nearly a quarter century.
C&TS Assistant General Manager Stathi Pappas says the rotary is in “remarkable shape” but that it does need some mechanical and cosmetic work. The railroad will do most of the mechanical work and the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad will spearhead the cosmetic work.
John Bush, president of the Cumbres & Toltec, says the railroad plans on using former Denver & Rio Grande Western K-27 No. 463 to push the rotary from Chama to Cumbres where it will be turned on the wye and placed at the rear of the train. Bush says the plan to push the plow up Cumbres Pass is both for safety and the unique photo opportunity.
“We don’t want the rotary downgrade of the locomotive at this time,” Bush says. “It hasn’t been used in a number of years so we want to move it as safely as possible.”
Bush says next week’s move will have room for a few passengers. Anyone who is interested in riding that move in return for a donation is encouraged to call the railroad at 1-888-286-2737 or 575-219-3305.
The railroad says an exact date has not been selected for the run. The railroad plans to use the rotary over two days to clear as much of the 64-mile railroad as possible. The railroad is offering a limited number of tickets to see the event and those who are interested in attending are encouraged to send an email to rmartinez@cumbrestoltec.com.
OY was built for the Denver & Rio Grande Western by Alco in 1923 and was last used in 1997.
Anna Harding’s comments are most truly welcome by me. Though her legal disclaimer at the conclusion of every post could be taken as condescending at best.
The good news that OY will be running again must warm the cockles of all us slim gauge fanatics.
If Anna agrees, why must she conclude with a word scramble?
In today’s fast paced world, it’s best to be concise
and not conceal your important opinions.
Let’s celebrate hearing good news and not be so cryptic.
The D&S unfortunately can’t use a rotary plow due to all the rock slides in the Animas Canyon. I believe the D&RG tried it but the rocks that come down with the snow just destroy a rotary’s blades. The Rio Grande used huge locomotive plows just like D&S does. If they ran every day they could go to Silverton in the winter, but the avalanche danger and the rocks they would be plowing into make it far too dangerous.
This is just what the D&SNG needs for year-round operation.
Now THIS takes me back…
.eceiphtuom nmad nwo rouy dniF .yenrotta ruoy ton ma I .ecivda lagel etutitsnoc ton od yehT .pihsnoiraler tneic\yenrotta na rof sisab eht mrof ton od dna erutan ni lereneg era stenmmoc evoba ehT