Quote
John West
In rereading Tom's captions more carefully, it looks as if there were indeed two trains, eight days apart. On March 13, 1963 the 480 and 483 took a flanger/spreader snow clearing train from Alamosa to Chama, and returned (with tank cars to Cumbres) on March 14. The 480 and 483 took another flanger/spreader snow clearing train from Alamosa to Chama on March 20, taking 36 hours due to slides and derailments. So the return movement up the hill, again with tank cars to Cumbres plus the flanger and spreader, was not until March 22. Hopefully my interpretation of the dates in Tom's captions is correct. He got pix of both trains.
It took me a little while to get around to doing research on this topic. Thought I would toss my findings into the mix and make things a little more confusing.
March 13, 1963
Alamosa extra west with engines 483 and 480 with 4 empties, which include 2 caboose, spreader and flanger
Conductor Andriko
Engine 483 Dunn
Engine 480 Faucette
From Antonito to Chama 6 hours 30 minutes flange and spread snow.
March 14, 1963
Chama extra east with engines 483 and 480 with 8 loads 4 empties, again include 2 caboose, spreader and flanger
At Cumbres set out the 8 loads.
With engines coupled continue east. Cumbres to MP 305 2 hours 40 minutes spreading snow. Engines stayed coupled to Alamosa.
March 15, 1963
Alamosa extra west with engines 480 and 484
Conductor Thayne
Engine 480 Dunn
Engine 484 Sisemore
Depart Alamosa with 39 loads 7 empties, (no spreader)
At Cumbres engine 480 cut out and run light to Chama
Engine 484 arrive Chama with 39 loads 1 empty
March 16, 1963
Chama extra east with engines 480 and 484
Conductor Thayne
Engine 484 Dunn
Engine 480 Sisemore
Depart Chama with 8 loads 1 empty
At Cumbres engine 484 cut out and run light to Alamosa
Engine 480 pick up 8 loads and run Cumbres to Durango with 16 loads 1 empty
March 20, 1963
Alamosa extra west with engines 480 and 483, 2 caboose, spreader and flanger
Conductor Andriko
Engine 483 Dunn
Engine 480 Jack
Depart Alamosa 9:10 AM
Alamosa extra west with engines 497 and 484
Conductor Smith
Engine 497 Otteson
Engine 484 Hawkins
Depart Alamosa 11:20 AM with 44 loads 10 empties
Engine 483 derailed at MP 323 and both trains spent the night at Osier
Engines 483 and 480 arrive Chama March 21at 6:20 PM
Engine 497 arrive Chama 6:30 PM and Engine 497 with train arrive Chama 6:45 PM March 21.
March 22, 1963
Chama extra east with engines 483 and 480
Conductor Andriko
Engine 483 Dunn
Engine 480 Jack
Depart Chama with 8 loads and spreader, flanger, 2 caboose
At Cumbres set out 8 loads, Cumbres to Osier 2 hours spread snow, stay coupled to Alamosa
Chama extra east with engines 484 and 497
Conductor Smith
Engine 484 Otteson
Engine 497 Hawkins
Depart Chama with 6 loads 15 empties
At Cumbres engine 484 cut out and run light to Alamosa
Extra 497 east pick up the 8 loads
Arrive Alamosa with 15 loads 17 empties
I thought I had the date for Rich’s photo narrowed down to
March 16. Correct to read March 14. (Edit 1-1-10)
On that date there had been fresh snow at Chama and no spreader on the east bound. However, according to the train sheet the head engine on that date was 484.
My guess for Russ’ photo at Dalton would be
March 14, however it could also be March 22. (Edit 1-1-10)
Anyway, more food for pondering
Jimmy
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/01/2010 09:00PM by Jimmy Blouch.
