Re: Train 425

The Alamosa passenger engine crews got paid 2 basic (8 hrs, no overtime) days to run to Chama and back. They had enough lay over time get a 4+ hour break in service, then ran the eastbound home getting back in less than 12 hours of service. They worked every other day. So in the end, they didn't really make that much money. The Durango crews got a basic day plus a smidge of OT (102 miles run) each day, but had to lay over in Chama and go back the next day. The Durango crews worked every day unless they laid off. The Alamosa-La Veta passenger was and out and back in less than 12 hours with a 4+ hour break in La Veta. They too got 2 basic day's pay, but got a bit higher rate because of the bigger SG power.

The Chili Line crews ran 125 miles each day, 6 days per week. Each day they got a basic day plus the OT put in with the extra 25 miles over 100.

In 2 weeks time, the Alamosa Crews would work 7 days and get 14 starts with very little OT. The Durango Crews would get 14 starts with a little OT. The Santa Fe Branch crews would get 12 starts and daily OT.

In the end they all got close to the same number of starts in a month, but the Santa Fe Branch crew got more OT.