Re: Chama Coaling Facilities

OK, doing a little research here today and I stand corrected on the coaling docks. They were not quite like Vance and Rico in that the trestles were much higher and the cars dumped right into the bunker which fed into the pockets. There were elevated coal docks at Alamosa, Chama and Sargents. Before the FM towers were built there was also an elevated coal ramp at Gunnison. Durango apparently had an elevated coal track, simialar to Ridgway, but a lot longer. This was apparently in use until the FM was built. Each of the elevated towers was a little different.
Gunnison's I have not seen photos of but the ramp is shown on a map of the site from the turn of the century between two tracks near the freight house.
Alamosa was much higher than the other two we know about as it had to service both standard and narrow gauge power. It was also built more substantially since it had dual gauge track and could accomodate both narrow and standard gauge drop bottoms. It appears as though there are four pockets on each side of the Alamosa dock with adjustible chutes for standard or narrow gauge. This tower was in use until the end of standard gauge steam. After that it was torn down and the portable conveyors were used to load coal.
Sargent had a four pocket tower with two on a side. Narrow gauge only, of course.
Chama's was a twelve pocket tower with six on a side and a house like structure covering the top.
Salida had a large standard and narrow coaling tower. This was probably replaced with conveyors once standard gauge steam was retired.