Re: 493 second turn Chama to Cumbres on December 6, 1967

Following 493 north on the afternoon of December 6, 1967, I made a quick stop in the narrows and caught engineer Eldon Morgan in a classic pose in the cab of hard working 493. He has his left hand on the throttle, no doubt to be able to reduce power quickly in the event 493 loses her footing. Eldon was always a friend to Ernie, Jeff, myself and other rail fans and we stayed in touch for many years after the narrow gauge shut down. I didn't have the chance to visit Eldon as often as Ernie and Jeff did, but I remember meeting him for dinner in Alamosa a number of times during later trips to the C&TS, and was even invited to spend the night at his house on one of the trips. He appreciated receiving photos of the narrow gauge, as he said that he was always on the engine and not line side for taking photos. I understand from talking with Jeff Stebbins that Eldon, age 94 (?), is now living with one of his sons in Colorado Springs. I recall that most of the narrow gauge men were pretty friendly and put up with us rail fan types. For special mention I would single out Ken Faucette and Stanley Smith. Anyway, here is Eldon nearly 53 years ago.



From the Narrows it was a quick dash to Lobato and a climb of the tree that I had used for elevated views the day before