Re: Rio Grande Southern

The film reel says 1947. The engines are 20 and 455 with Baggage 127, two coaches and high side rider gon. First the 20 pulls the train, and is uncoupled along with its own caboose behind the tender. Then 455 backs on with its caboose.
I have to think these trips were somewhat connected, but its possible they are not. As you say San Juan ended in 1951. There are scenes in 1951 on the RGS, but thats on a much later reel.
The cool thing is that supposedly one of the guys was there in 1949, and chased the San Juan, and got 4-6 shots. Surprisingly Departing Alamosa and the next shot is Chama. Then a few west. This train is different from the one that is ridden. The chased one is 5 car San Juan for sure.
I believe the one they ride is the San Juan with extra coaches and they just did a few runbys, cause there were likely few regular riders to protest!!! This one had the glass car on the end
Greg
PS Am working on putting some stuff together. Perhaps I will eventually upload a scene or two.