Re: I know this borders on heresy

I still think the easiest and most cost affective solution looking into the long term future of the Chama to Antonito line is to replace the Labato span with a new bridge of similar construction and style to that of the the newer bridge required for the 1960s Navajo lake relocation.

I know with my idea we will loose the beautiful Labato span, but nothing lasts forever. It was only a matter of time before major sections of the bridge would have to be replaced or repaired anyway. So why not do what a real railroad would do. Replace rather then rebuild.

I also keep reading that the patrons of the C&T will loose the historical experience if Laboto is replaced. As long as a steam loco pulls the train I think the experience is safe. And to be honest you can't really see the bridge that much from the train, just the impressive section the bridge spans. So I seriously don't think anything will be lost if the bridge is replaced with something appropriate to the line like the span you can still see north of Navajo lake.

The future Labato bridge style? If it were up to me, yes this is the route I would go:



Matt
Lake Forest, CA
Click Here for my model train photo website