This is GREAT news. The tanks were an important part of the business over Cumbres for many years, and helped keep the line open in the winter when the business to Farmington began to wane. Historically they are important. Moreover the loading racks in Chama provide a lot of opportunity for historic interpretation with the tanks.
Visually, the tanks dominated westbound trains since they were almost always handled at the head end.
At Chama the loading racks were at the east end of the yard (and still are there).
When the framed cars were returned and restored to service by the Friends, they soon helped charter freights look far more authentic. And their steel underframes came in handy for the recreation of the long trains that were typical of the DRGW over Cumbres.
The additional frameless cars now in the works make it even more authentic.
So this is a project that deserves the support of both the railfan photogs who want authentic trains (for their phraud-o-graphs), and the folks who want to see the history of the railroad interpreted more fully.
Congrats to all concerned, and they can count on my contribution.
JBWX
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2013 12:39AM by John West.