Re: Trailing the last #426

John - I heard the same story from Freddy Pollick (sp) during our Durango years. It was one of the last eastbound trains and the first one in several months. According to Fred, he was called as a rear brakeman for the move, and they headed for Chama. What he didn't know was that several DRGW Officials from Denver and some local ones as well, would be following in the motor car. As the train tried to get up the hill outside of Monero, the officials stopped at the store to wait. They figured that once they saw the smoke from the engine top the hill, it would be OK to go. What they didn't know was that the train couldn't make it, and they ended up doubling the hill, leaving Fred to protect the remaining part of the train while the first half proceeded. Freddy went to sleep in the caboose as he knew there were no other trains following (remember, he did,t know about the motor car). Meanwhile, back at the store, the officials, after violating "Rule G" many times, observed the smoke going over the hill and proceeded towards Chama. Moments later, Freddy was awakened from his slumber by a terrible jolt to the caboose. He then found the #426 firmly attached to the rear of the caboose and several dazed officials stumbling about. No one was hurt. It was embarrassing for everyone and according to Fred was kept quite. That is when the motor car ended up in Ignacio for repairs. I don't know if Pollick was "pulling my chain" or not, but it made a good story!
Mike