Re: What we are really celebrating? ... the PEOPLE!!

Thanks, Jim -

Per Alan Loomis, Soni's plans to replicate the First Train into Chama on September 6, 1970,
WILL be implemented!  There WILL be a special train - details later - on Monday, August 30,
which will re-enact some of the events of 09/06/70, and a ceremony to honor those who put in
dozens, hundreds, and in some cases thousands of hours of unpaid effort so that the Narrow
Gauge over Cumbres would survive.

The railroad simply would not be here today if not for some of the early volunteers. A few of them have already passed on, and several more might not be around for the 50th Anniversary. IMHO, it's time to recognize all of these guys - railroaders, railfans, public officials and local citizens - and thank them for rescuing, resuscitating and rebuilding the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on the 40th Anniversary of its "Golden Spike".*

THANK YOU, Alan!!

- Russ Sperry

* In this case - in lieu of a 'Golden Spike' - there are two lengths of steel rail "borrowed"** from the abandoned D&RGW line west of Chama on 09/06/70.   These are, so far as I know, still in service at the Highway 17 grade crossing on the north side of town.

** What's the Statute of Limitations say about "borrowing" 80 feet of rail?   Who, ME??   Nah; it must have been Ernie ...



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 04/14/2010 11:01AM by Russo Loco.