From The Friends News page:
Lobato Trestle Press Release
Posted By: Tim Tennant
Date: Jul 1, 2010
CHAMA, N.M. – Structural shortcomings on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Lobato Trestle, damaged recently by fire, may dictate that complete replacement of the span is the most prudent repair, according to the structural engineers called in to consult on the situation. “They said that the most prudent course of action would be to replace the entire thing, but we are still exploring less extreme alternatives,” said Elmer Salazar, president and CEO of the C&TS Management Corp. “It is not yet clear whether this recommendation is based on damage from the fire, or from the general condition and design of this almost century-old structure.”
In the event the entire structure had to be replaced, the trestle would likely be out of service for the balance of the summer season. Salazar said consultation among Management Company officials and the engineering firm were continuing. In the meantime, a locomotive and passenger cars were being moved by truck from the Chama Depot to Cumbres Pass, on the north side of the damaged trestle. Regular service from that point on to Osier and Antonito, Colo., will commence next week, with bus service for passengers from the Chama Depot to Cumbres. “We would prefer the quicker solution of replacing the roadbed on the existing steel trestle framework, as that approach would take a vastly shorter time to complete repairs,” Salazar said. “However, the long-term safety and adequacy of the trestle is the primary concern -- and if those considerations dictate a necessity to replace the whole thing, we will do it.”
The Cumbres & Toltec has insurance on the trestle, but it features a $50,000 deductible and is limited to a total of $360,000 – likely insufficient to cover the cost of a total replacement.
Tim Tennant, vice president of CTSMC and president of the nonprofit Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, said aficionados are already lining up to support the rebuilding of the trestle. “We have established a separate account, the Lobato Trestle Fund, care of Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, to assist in raising funds for the restoration,” Tennant said. “Interested persons can send contributions to that fund, care of Friends of the C&TS Railroad, 6005 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.”
In the meantime, the railroad is maintaining its steam railroading experience notwithstanding the trestle difficulties. A train will depart at 1 pm. Saturday (July 3) from Chama for a trip up to Lobato and back. Adult fares for the short run are $25 for adults, $17.50 for youth, $12.50 for children, and $49 for an upgrade to a spot on the caboose. Entertainment will add to the fun, but lunch is not included. Tickets will be available at the Chama Depot Saturday, or can be secured by calling 888-286-2737.
On Sunday, July 4, the Fireworks Special train will depart the Chama station at 6:30 p.m., bound for Lobato. Passengers will be given an opportunity to disembark from the train for a photo run-by along the stretch of several miles to Lobato and back. Following the run to Lobato, the train will return to the south end of the Chama yard near the wye, to give passengers a view from the train of the Chama fireworks display. Chama’s hour-long fireworks extravaganza, fast becoming known as one of the best in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, will start at 9 p.m. The otherwise peaceful journey will be “interrupted” at an unexpected moment by the eruption of some old West excitement nearby. A “Wild West Show,” staged by the Rio Arriba Stuntmen’s Association, will highlight the trip with some authentic period action. Free snacks and sodas, together with live music, will further punctuate the evening’s entertainment.
Railroad patrons will be able to park in the Chama Depot lot, avoiding the anticipated crush of parking in Chama for the popular fireworks event. Seats are limited and a variety of price options are available now. To book reservations, please call 888-286-2737. It will be an evening of fun and excitement for the whole family, not to be missed.
The Cumbres & Toltec is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the purchase of the line by the States of Colorado and New Mexico this summer. The C&TS Management Corp is in the final stages of an ambitious multi-year program to replace ties and ballast on the track to restore it to optimum operating capability. A total of 40,378 new ties have been installed over the duration of this project, with 64 miles of track resurfaced and lined.
