Re: C&TS - D&S = Finally!

We have a lot of customers who buy videos for their kids with autism. They like the sound, so I would go for something up close to the engine, so that way they can enjoy the sound of the engine working hard, especially between Durango and Silverton. On the C&TS the steep climb is Chama-Cumbres (about 1.5 hours), but the Antonito side to Cumbres is roughly 50 miles of steady grade. Either way ride the whole line to see it all. I prefer Antonito to Chama, but I also like the Chama-Cumbres portion.

My advice would be to ride from Antonito to Chama. The next day you and your son can chase the train from Chama to Cumbres, since the road is pretty close. He will love the action of the engine, and you will enjoy the views. The train gets to the top around noon, so you could then have a nice drive over to Durango for the their train. This is a win-win since in three days you have ridden both trains, and chased a train on the C&TS up the 4% grade in the morning.

Lots of differing opinions on this discussion board I am sure. In the old days we would ride the train from Durango-Silverton, then take the bus back. The ride from Silverton back to Durango is mostly downhill, and its the same trackage just reversed. You get back to Durango earlier doing that(The Bus). Some might take the bus to Silverton and ride to Durango, which I think is a big mistake, based on what I said about the train working harder from Durango in the morning.

Have fun.

Greg Scholl
[www.gregschollvideo.com]