The big "Double Seven" and the narrow gauge

Last week I moved one year closer to qualifying as a Curmudgeon by turning 77. On my birthday I received a couple of e-mails with narrow gauge photos to celebrate the occasion. One was from my second cousin Barbara from Germany, and shows a 2ft 6 in gauge 2-10-2 in Saxony. She did not give the location, and I have yet to figure out which ng line this was taken on, but I am guessing that it is on the line to Kipsdorf in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) that still operates regular passenger service with steam as local transportation.



Then there were two photos from my brother JR that show what I REALLY would have liked to be doing on the "Double Seven" :

Sprucing up 315 for an another excursion by cleaning the running gear and smoke box, and working some miles on the left side of the cab (as here Osier to Antonito)





But thanks to Covid that did not happen. Still, it was a great day, enjoyed by hiking with friends Geoff and Kate, and companion Jack to the summit of Baldy Mountain near Ridgway, with great views from the summit, and good exercise as well with 8 miles RT and 2,000 ft of elevation gain thru scrub oak and aspens starting to turn fall colors.