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Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad |
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Antonito, the starting point for the 64 mile ride to Chama - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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The 3ft gauge line was once part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Antonito has mixed gauge track and a standard gauge train connects from Alamosa - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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On departure the train is soon crossing Hangman's Trestle (left) where a convicted criminal was hanged from the bridge by the local posse; the train then continues to Lava Loop and past the disused Lava Tank (right). The loop is used for turning snowplows in winter - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Beyond Sublette the train passes through Mud Tunnel - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Hoodoos are much in evidence near Phantom Curve - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Hoodoos and colorful trees under a Colorado Sky as the train weaves across the New Mexico and Colorado state line - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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The open roofless car gives ample opportunity for photography - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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At Osier, Colorado (9637 feet elevation) the Chamas bound locomotive crosses its opposite working heading for Antonito - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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The passengers are given a wholesome lunch (included in the fare) in the Osier Dining Hall with the food being "made from scratch in the Osier kitchen just like Grandma used to make" - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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The lunch is served canteen style with passengers lining up according to the menu choice they made on the train - the trains leaving approximately an hour after their arrival - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Only the locos work through to Chama or Antonito; passengers are required to change trains due to route restrictions imposed on the passenger cars - make sure you get back on the right train! PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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As one train heads for Chama, the other can be seen heading for Antonito - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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The Rio de Los Pinos (left) as the train continues its climb to Cumbres - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Cumbres station - at 10 015 feet - is the highest point on the line. The station is a short way from Cumbres Pass Summit - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Boiler blow out near Lobato - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Approaching Chama - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Arriving Chama where the railroad arrived in 1880 - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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On arrival at Chama passengers are invited to tour the yard - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Chama, New Mexico as the train departs for servicing. The train will return to Osier the following day when the locomotive will run through to Antonito - PHOTOs Malcolm McCrow. |
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Rail Tour: Durango |
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