Thanks for the info guys. I was looking to be safe regarding the Salida area, cause I am working on my script for vintage stuff, and was making the statement..."The conversion to standard gauge on the Monarch branch meant the end of steam in the Salida area on the D&RGW". I figured that was right, but just wanted to CYA if you know what I mean.
Now my brother told a story about tunnels. He and a British friend were in Turkey, around 1976 I think. They were each riding a different engine out of Izmir I think cause it was a big climb and there was a rear pusher.
They had to go through a pretty long tunnel and there were no masks. He said he thought he was going to die, cause he could not see, nor breath very well. They were down on the cab floor. They were so happy to see the light and pop out of the tunnel.
So when someone wants to ride through a big tunnel, just remember its not always super fun.
I had a similar experience riding the cab of UP 3985 through Hermosa tunnel in 1988. We actually were accelerating into it, and the sparks(It was coal burning then, now oil), streamed back into the cab. Made for great video, but we knocked all the diesel dirt off the top of the tunnel and I was pretty black-faced, and super dirty all over. Not to mention I had holes in my shirt. At Laramie I met my wife and baby daughter. I had to wash up in the restaurant before going into the dining area. The shirt got pitched into the trash after the trip.
At the time Jim Boyd(Former Railfan editor) was riding in the tool/crew car behind the engine and he was just as dirty cause the side doors were open through the tunnel.
The tunnels on the C&TS are a bit less hectic.
Greg
