Re: Some further observations and additional image links

Quote

Part of the problem is Ely lacks the mountain ambience of Chama.

Well, that's certainly the general perception, and it is a problem. I had to laugh, however, as I overheard a cell phone conversation from a gentleman from "back-east" to someone back home, part way through Saturday's operations: "It's a lot prettier out here than I thought." Ah-yep, it is. There's no question that Ely is a fairly rough-looking blue-collar town (but heck, so is Chama!), but the area does have a distinct beauty to it that most can see once they get past their preconceptions. It is NOT Colorado - but it has an appeal uniquely its own.

As for "Is that all thats left?" question, I have to point back to John's comments about all that's there on the complex. Leaving aside the sheer number of buildings, yard trackage, rolling stock, tools and other artifacts, there are 3 steam locomotives (not to be sniffed at in this day and age) 2 of which have recently run and likely will again. The third? Well, we can hope. There're also some unique Alco diesels, an RS-2 and two RS-3's (honorary steamers in the eyes of many, due to their smokey characteristics and distintive "bucket-o'-bolts" engine cadence), a rotary snow plow, and an operating! steam crane. And that crane is an impressive piece of gear, which operated flawlessly for both photo shoot weekends this year. I sat at dinner Saturday evening with the crane operator and listened with great interest as he described the incredible precision of the crane's operation.

Some additional photo links:

Steam crane in the machine shop

Steam at first light

93 with ore train at iconic tipple and water tower

Scott