I just got back from Sumpter, and what a weekend I had. The Night Train went off without a hitch, except the entertainment was a little unusual. The weather was great, and we had a beautiful ride back to Sumpter under the stars and stuff. There were no lights except for the #19, the Adalakes on the caboose, and an occasional brake lantern. This was not the best part of the weekend though, it happened right after we'd put the equipment away for the week. I had a few hours to burn, and Bret Bane offered to give me a quick tour of some of the Curry Branch, and I of course excepted. First you cross under the site of a 50+ foot high by at least 150 foot long curved trestle. The road climbs up to track level and your looking down into a canyon with lines snaking all over. The line takes a curve and crosses over another substantial trestle site to the remains of a water tower. Down below this there is another water tower and the remains of a snow plow, complete with saw blades for reinforcement. The road leaves the line for awhile to circle the canyon, and joins up again on the other side. You then skirt along a cliff that looks like the Animas Canyon with trees, except it has a better view, and go through a cut and come to the remains of one of the most impressive trestles to ever stand on a narrow gauge. When the bridge stood it was taller than the Georgetown bridge and at least as long. Fallen timbers clearly outline the shape of this massive structure, and it was all built of wood, imagine what those timbers would cost today. This is only a small portion of the Curry Branch, and apparently it only gets better. There is going to be a big exploration of the line on Labor Day weekend, so I encourage anyone who can to come along.
Thanks Again, Taylor
