Re: Tent Caterpillars on the C&TS

BROOMS? Must have been a picture for the ages, haha.

According to "Ticket to Toltec" - which I am reading in advance of our trip - Milepost 335.10 at Cresco:

This was apparently in the 70's

"When the insects hatched, the rails became so coated with creeping worms that the locomotives were unable to maintain any traction. Two persons then sat in in front of the engine and removed the insects by holding brooms on each rail. In a manner eastbound trains were able to ascend the 4% grade"

So, by engine(s) plural, I take it even the doubleheader had no impact on increased traction?

It also mentions that several aceres of Aspens were killed or badly damaged by the insects. Bummer... I'm sure its like a vicious cycle with these insects? Kind of like the Cicadas on the E coast? Does this happen every year up there?