Even though it’s no longer part of Denver & Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge empire, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad continues its scenic trek through the San Juan Mountains while serving the communities between Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo. This includes Chama resident Abigail Martinez, who grew up in the area with a vocation as the Marketing Director for the tourist line.
How did you get involved in rail preservation?
Abigail Martinez: The Chama area is home to me, and a train kind of in my backyard is what I always like to describe the railroad. When I originally started there, it was my college job. I would come back home for the summer and work for the Cumbres & Toltec. I started in retail and reservations, then worked on board the train as an attendant. So, I was with all our guests 5-6 days a week every summer for 6 years. That’s how I got my start here for the railroad.
As I progressed in the company, I’ve learned about the rich history the Cumbres & Toltec has and brings to the area. When I first started, I didn’t know much about railroading. Now I would like to say the railroad has become not just a job for me, it is my career and what I consider to be a vocation. Working for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, we are living the preservation history day in and day out. And a lot of people don’t realize that without the railroad in both the small towns of Antonito and Chama, they probably would not have existed.
As a young preservationist at age 29, what have you found to be the most challenging aspects in the industry?
Abigail Martinez: A lot of people don’t realize the blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to rebuild and keep the equipment running every day for everyone to experience and enjoy. That’s one part of the entire rail preservation industry that is a niche kind of thing. We always need those trade workers who are going to machine the parts.
Another challenge that I’m concentrating on in the marketing aspect is introducing the next generation into what the railroad industry is and what we do. Marketing has changed as a whole, especially coming out of COVID-19. We do a bit more digital advertising than in the past and you can see the change in our demographic. Obviously, we want those visitors to continue to come back, so we continue with traditional media. However, as technology progresses, it’s a matter of how I use that technology to highlight an 1880 steam train.
What’s been the most rewarding for you so far?
Abigail Martinez: The smiling faces of our guests, day in and day out. Whether on a family vacation or rail fanning, they’re all completely taken aback with everything that we do here. We’re not just another train ride, we’re a destination and experience for everyone looking for an adventure. One of the taglines I’ve come up with in the marketing aspect has been “The Ride of Your Life!”
Where do you see rail preservation as it is today and what do you hope it’ll become for the future?
Abigail Martinez: I think rail preservation today is super, super important. Like I said, it’s a bit of a niche kind of career if you will say to those coming in. It is awesome to see the veterans of the industry introducing the younger generation into the age of steam for all of us to continue it on down the line to our kids and then our grandkids. Without those veterans and everybody else who knew about trains, and without their intelligence and stories, it would’ve all been gone. I think going into the future, the younger generation needs to be a sponge and soak all that information in so we all can continue rail preservation.
What advice would you give for any young person looking to get involved in the industry?
Abigail Martinez: Give it a chance. You get to meet people from all over the world, hear their stories of why they’re here and what they enjoyed best. Starting that next generation is super vital for the rail preservation industry going forward.
