Re: Visit to Chama from Switzerland

Lukas,
First, keep in mind that the entire railway yard and shops is open to the public during daylight hours. So you are free to walk about, inspect the equipment, and talk to the employees. The openess of the C&TS is one of the things that makes it an unusual museum railway...the interested visitor has complete access.
If you are interested in pictures, the highway from Chama to Cumbres pass follows the railway fairly closely, with many nice views.
You might try to find Sonny Honneger, who is one of our enginemen and happens to be Swiss. And yes he claims to be related to Arthur Honneger of Pacific 231 fame.
Finally, Kim Flowers who with her husband owns the Vista del Rio, also happens to be C&TS marketing manager. So when you check into your motel you might ask for Kim, or leave a message for her, and let her know about your interests.
Of the various itineraries possible on the railroad from Chama, my favorite is to take the bus to Antonito and ride the train from Antonito to Chama. This allows you enjoy the more subtle joys of the change from high desert to mountin while you are fresh in the morning, and when the train arrives at Chama you are "home". It IS a long day. The dramatic climb up the four percent grade from Chama (which you come down on the above routing) can then be viewed the next morning from the road.
Have a great trip.
John West