Day 1 - Thursday 8/26/2021 - Travel Day and First Action
I left Houston on a 9:05am direct flight to Albuquerque on Southwest Airlines. This was the first time for me to fly up to narrow gauge country and it sure was nice knocking 12 hours or so off the drive! I landed at 10:10am New Mexico time. Rental cars were pretty pricey in the fall of 2021, but by booking Budget Car Rental through Southwest Airlines, I was able to get a decent deal. However, I think everyone did the same as the line was pretty long up for them. Soon enough, I got to my car and was on the road by 11:15am or so. I found a Target on my out north out of ABQ and stopped in for supplies, which did come in handy. I then grabbed a quick bite for lunch and headed north, arriving in Chama just after 3:00pm. I stopped by The Hotel to check in and chat with the owner, Joe, a bit.
I walked down to the yard and took in the sights. There were a few drop bottom gondola cars full of split wood for the wood burning guests. The 497 was also pulled out of the engine house for the little engines to have a place to be serviced. It was welcomed to be able to see the big engine out in the sunlight after all of these years. It was a little after 4:00pm and still no word on 487 and the daily passenger train. I was eager to head over to Antonito to see the action so I started out of town. I was lucky enough to catch 487 at the first road crossing outside of Chama.
I walked down to the yard and took in the sights. There were a few drop bottom gondola cars full of split wood for the wood burning guests. The 497 was also pulled out of the engine house for the little engines to have a place to be serviced. It was welcomed to be able to see the big engine out in the sunlight after all of these years. It was a little after 4:00pm and still no word on 487 and the daily passenger train. I was eager to head over to Antonito to see the action so I started out of town. I was lucky enough to catch 487 at the first road crossing outside of Chama.
I had an uneventful drive over to Antonito, arriving at 5:30pm or so. I checked out 425 (315 in disguise) and 168 simmering outside of the engine house. I walked through the Friend's of the Cumbres and Toltec car barn to admire their handy work. Caboose RGS 0400 was in the yard from the Colorado Railroad Museum and was to be used on a few charters with locomotive RGS 20 in the coming weeks. There were a few rain showers around so I took it easy and watched the Friend's meeting being broad cast from the yard. Close to 7:00pm, I drove the road out of Antonito that paralleled the line to watch the Eureka and Glenbrook arrive with their Osier turn. They had the historic passenger consists in tow and was pretty close to on time.
I was able to catch the Eureka and Glenbrook outside of Antonito and then was able to get ahead of them to see them coming into the yard. The sun broke out and allowed for a nice rainbow over the consists as they stopped at the station. Mr. Earl Knoob was running the Eureka which was a pleasant surprise to see! I took in the sights as the two wood burners rolled ahead to be serviced and then took their spot at the engine house with the 425, 168 and 489.
I headed back to Chama a little before 9:00pm. I kept my eyes open for deer but didn't see any. I did see a bunch of cows though, all over the pass! Some fellow Texans were in town, the Akin brothers. I was supposed to meet up with them to catch up but I was beat since it was late so called it a night.
I headed back to Chama a little before 9:00pm. I kept my eyes open for deer but didn't see any. I did see a bunch of cows though, all over the pass! Some fellow Texans were in town, the Akin brothers. I was supposed to meet up with them to catch up but I was beat since it was late so called it a night.
